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William Thomas "Bill" Leonard
William Thomas "Bill" Leonard
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William Leonard Obituary
William (Bill) Thomas Leonard was born to Willie Mac and Dorothy Leonard on February 17, 1948, in Harlan, KY. Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, beloved wife Dale, and one grandson. Bill is survived by his brother Bobby (Debbie), daughter Dawn, daughter Kim (Brian), son Chris, daughter Erin (Jacob), son Ross, honorary daughter Christian, seven grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and hundreds of Shaolin-Do Family Members.
Bill graduated from Tates Creek High School and while attending an anesthesiologist pilot program at the University of Kentucky, he discovered his passion in 1967. Bill's passion was in the Shaolin-Do martial arts. He was a dedicated student of 56 years to his teacher and friend Grandmaster Sin Thé. Referred to as Eldest Master Leonard, he is the highest-ranking student in the Shaolin-Do system and the only American to ever obtain the rank of 10th degree black belt. He was an admired teacher and mentor at the Sin Thé Karate School in Lexington, KY. He was a true inspiration whether you called him teacher, mentor, father, or friend. He touched the hearts and lives of so many and broke the bones of others. Just saying
Bill passed away on July 7, 2023, surround by loved ones gathered in prayer while Dale came to take him to the gates of Heaven. He is finally reunited with the love of his life and in the healthiest form of himself. He will be truly missed but his legacy will live on forever through the "Master Leonard Martial Arts Scholarship". In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the scholarship and mailed to the Sin Thé Karate School in Lexington, KY.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home-Harrodsburg Rd. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 12th at the funeral home. Burial will be at The Lexington Cemetery.
49 Entries
Erin Bickers
July 2, 2025
Erin Bickers
February 14, 2025
Happy Valentines Day daddy. I miss you and Dale so much. It gives me peace you are together
William Hayden
November 5, 2024
Saddened by his exit! A true buddy of mine! A absolute privilege to know Billy!
Anthony Petruzzi
August 1, 2024
The when he stopped by my school in Florida and I gave him a school shirt. He took an old shaolin shirt he was wearing and put mine on. Then he gave me the shirt off his back. He was such a mentor and changed the course of my life.
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Erin
July 2, 2024
I miss you daddy. There have been so many times this year all I needed was you.
Kevin bierly,DC
December 28, 2023
I REMEMBER SEEING ELDEST MASTER LEONARD TAKE ON 3 SPARRING OPPONENTS WHEN I WAS A LOWLY YELLOW BELT. HE DEMOLISHED THEM WITH CONCENTRATION THEN A SMILE.NO ONE DESERVED 10TH DEGREE MORE THAN HIM. I BOW IN RESPECT TO HIM.
Bob Green
September 11, 2023
My Brother. My Friend. A TRUE Shaolin warrior/Master. I will love and remember you always. Deep bow of respect.
Robert Lee Frausto
September 7, 2023
God bless the family and the Shaolin Do community. My condolences go out for the greatest martial artist that was in Shaolin Do. I remember learning "sticking hands", with Eldest Master Bill back in 2009-10, and I remember he said, "We can go easy, or go hard.". I said let's go hard, and he struck my ear in slow motion and I couldn't hear for 3 days. I enjoyed taking his seminars, and learning from him. May he rest in peace, and my prayers go out to his family and the Shaolin Do community.
My condolences, Robert Lee Frausto
Susan green
August 14, 2023
You will surely be missed.
Sue
Susan Green
August 14, 2023
Tears to the family and his dog. I hope someone will take and love....it loved him and Dale also. What a loss. Of knowledge. Of friendship. Of irreplaceable things.
Randall Bales
August 8, 2023
Sorry to just hear about Master Bill's passing. He was a great man.
Frank Ulery
July 27, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. Prayers for the family.
Wayne Foster
July 17, 2023
Jim champ
July 16, 2023
I met Billy in Middle School through the neighborhood we lived in. We became Buddies back then and have kept up
Periodically through the years. When my dad died about 10 years ago I was so delighted and surprised when Billy showed up at the graveside Cemetery military burial. He said of course he couldn't not remember Tom in that way. That's an example of Billy. Bobby, this is Jim champ I know you will remember me and my wife and I deepest condolences to you and your family. Jim champ.
Lizzie
July 14, 2023
Rest in peace grandpa! We love you so much!
Mark Counides
July 13, 2023
I remember our last conversation and how we connected. I am sad. It will never happen again.
RIP Billy
Master Jerome Cook
July 12, 2023
Master Jerome Cook
July 12, 2023
Master Jerome Cook
July 12, 2023
Master Jerome Cook
July 12, 2023
Master Jerome Cook
July 12, 2023
Master Jerome Cook
July 12, 2023
A patriot and hero for many of us. Brilliant teacher. Wonderful family man. I will truly miss him.
Johnna Smith
July 12, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, students and friends.
Marc Tilghman
July 12, 2023
Your strenth and wisdom will be dearly missed Elder Master Leonard. RIP
Mark Dennis
July 11, 2023
A well respected man by everyone.
RIP Billy.
Bill and Nancy Gladd
July 11, 2023
Bill was indeed a very special man. The Gladd family will always cherish great memories of our friend. Peace be with you and all of your family.
Ronald Sprinkle
July 11, 2023
Knew Billy for 60 years. He was always honorable and a good friend.
Sheila Kurtz Sunley
July 11, 2023
I send my love to all Billy´s children, grandchildren and loved ones. The father of my first 2 children Kim and Chris.
Bill and Dale had a strong bond and love for family. They will both RIP together now.
Stephanie
July 10, 2023
He taught me about martial arts - and life. I will never forget his support during tough times. But in the end, the real lesson he taught us all was about love - true love. Be with Dale again, Bill. She missed you.
George Burnette
July 10, 2023
You will be missed.
Wayne Foster
July 10, 2023
My teacher/ instructor back in the 80´s. Mr Leonard earns my highest respect, even though I haven´t seen him but once in so many years. I´m glad I still have a group picture with him, and Master Sin The´. My condolences to his family and all who knew him. May God Bless
Wayne F
Eldermaster Nance
July 10, 2023
Martial Arts brother, best friend. Prayer go out to the family. He will be truly missed.
Erin
July 10, 2023
Erin
July 10, 2023
Erin
July 10, 2023
Erin
July 10, 2023
Erin
July 10, 2023
Erin
July 10, 2023
Sarah Prater
July 10, 2023
Master Leonard (Bill) was an amazing man! He always treated my husband and I with such warmth and caring! I will never forget the first time I cut his hair as I call him Master Leonard and he said it´s just Bill, I was first so intimidated weather training under him or on my turf at the salon, but he made that intimidation disappear in a matter of seconds!! I am so blessed and thankful he was a part of our lives even if only for a season. To his family we are so sorry for your loss, we know he is so happy to be with Dale again however I know he is so missed by each of you. Love, comfort, and prayers for each of you till your reunited with him for eternity.
Rick Vela
July 10, 2023
A true warrior but an even better person and friend. You have had my utmost appreciation and respect for many years
You will live forever in my mind and heart Rest in peace Master Bill
Rick Vela
Joe mike McCollum
July 9, 2023
Billy was a fine man,true man and a very close friend. My prayers go out to Bobby and family. I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace brother.
Connie Klinglesmith
July 9, 2023
So sorry for this family, I know just how hard it can be. Such an amazingly talented man. Sending love to Erin
Carol Amato Mills
July 9, 2023
A long time friend whom we didn´t get to see often but loved just as well! You will be missed Billy!
Kimberly White
July 9, 2023
Much respect and appreciation to Bill for the patience, understanding and guidance he showed my son Alex through many years at the school. It was a true saving grace for Alex and I will never forget the sacrifice and compassion he showed.
Michele and Jason Branham
July 9, 2023
May God be with you. The Branham´s
David Duncan
July 9, 2023
Immortal in our hearts and minds forever. We will never forget you. See you again once day!
Dianne
July 9, 2023
A good man and true friend.
Christian Childers Kephart
July 9, 2023
A great man, true warrior, master, teacher, and adopted father for me. Thank you teaching me the way.
Ronald Sprinkle
July 9, 2023
One of the finest men I have had the pleasure to know in my life. He was a honorable man and a teacher of many. Knew him for 60 years.
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3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40513
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