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BORN
1943
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Estol Leonard Obituary
Estol Fletcher "Sonny" Leonard Jr., 77, of Forest, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in Gladys, on July 19, 1943, he was the son of the late Estol F. Leonard and Garnetta Keesee Leonard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ethel L. Williams, Audrey L. Abbott, and Christine L. Lacks and a special nephew, Ricky Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frances N. Leonard; his son, Larry Leonard and his wife, Tina, of Bedford; his daughter, Kelly Leonard Ward and her husband, Junior, of Goode; three grandchildren, Jessica Ward Robinson and her husband, Austin, Brianna Leonard, and Lexi Leonard; two sisters, Estelle Leonard Brock of Forest, and Betty Jean Hudson and her husband, Harold, of Forest; brother-in-law, Bill Lacks, and a number of special nieces and nephews. Sonny never met a stranger and he is also survived by very close and special friends, too many to name.
Sonny was the owner and operator of Sonny's Automotive Racing. He founded the company in January, 1969. Sonny was known for designing and building race engines. He had customers all over the world and his engines have over 70 national world records and numerous championships in drag racing and truck pull events. Sonny proudly served our country in the U.S. Army.
Sonny loved people. He cared for everyone and always looked for ways to help others.
A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and the Rev. Danny Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.
Friends may pay their respects and sign the register on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, Thomas Road Baptist Church, 1 Mountain View Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502 www.trbc.org, the Victory Junction, www.victoryjunction.org or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Estol Leonard
Sponsored by Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Randy Gowen
January 6, 2024
Miss you my friend and rest in peace
Allen & Ruth McIlvain
January 25, 2021
I only met with Sonny three times and with my wife Ruth once, that was enough to tell that he was a man's- man and if we had lived in his area we would have probably become good friends, we were totally impressed.
Billy Walker
January 14, 2021
Frances and Family,
I am saddened to hear of Sonny's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sonny was a great friend and such a positive influence in my life and racing career. He will be greatly missed.
Billy Walker
Carolyn Witt
January 14, 2021
So sorry for the passing of your wonderful and very caring husband and father. Love to the family, Frances if you need anything let me know I will be there. I can´t help but think Sonny and Kenneth are up there talking cars.
Red & Carolyn Proffitt
January 14, 2021
So sorry to hear of Sonny passing R.I.P. my dear friend . Condolences to Frances and Family
Nancy and Gary Guengerich
January 14, 2021
We will always remember out time spent with you and Sonny.
May he Rest In Peace knowing how many people cared for him.
Ju y Galls
January 14, 2021
Sorry for the family
Richard clark
January 14, 2021
Rip my friend you will be missed sending prayers to the family
Stephanie Hudson
January 14, 2021
We are so sorry for your great loss. Sonny was an exceptional person he was always happy to see you where ever you ran into him. He was a generous man. We were proud to know him. Heaven gain another angel to watch over you. He loved life and he loved his family... He made a legendary legacy with his business. I asked God to wrap his loving arms around his family and friends and help them get through this tough time ahead. In Jesus's name Amen!
fletcher harrison
January 14, 2021
im so saddened due to sonnys passing. i always valued the times i had with sonny, and now they mean so much more. my sincerest condolances go out to sonnys family and endless friends. may he rest in peace.
Doug & Irene Neighbors
January 13, 2021
Dear Aunt Frances,
We are sorry we can't be there with you at this time but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!
Love, Doug and Irene
Pam and Ronnie Wilson
January 13, 2021
Thoughts and prayers to the Lenoard family. Sonny will be missed by many. Such a special friend. RIP... Sonny.
Robert & Beth Campbell
January 13, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Sonny will be greatly missed. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family.
Dorothy Jones
January 13, 2021
To the Family,
May God comfort during this time of grief.
Mike bruno
January 13, 2021
Thank you for all you did for me I´m truly going to miss you /Your heart was bigger than the United States love you and God speed
Christy Lowery/Doerunner Pulling Team
January 13, 2021
Sonny was always so kind and thoughtful, he will be missed terribly. The world of racing will never be the same. Sending prayers to his family during this very difficult time.
Betty Miller
January 13, 2021
Praying for the family. God bless
The Willifords
January 13, 2021
Frances we are so sorry to hear this sad news. We are praying for comfort and peace during this time for you and your family.
Ira and Diana Hicks
January 13, 2021
Sonny was the dearest man we were proud to call our friend. His kindness and good nature will live in our hearts forever. He will be sorely missed. Heaven has received another angel. Our love goes out to Frances, Kelly, Larry, and the entire family. We will be at the services on Thursday.
Kimberly Bont
January 13, 2021
Kelly and family, my heart breaks for all. Sending love and prayers for your family.
CAROLYN ARMSTRONG
January 13, 2021
FRANCES, JOHNNY AND I ARE SO SAID OF SONNY'S PASSING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO WITHOUT MY SURPRISE STUFFED TOYS! HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND FUN. WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU AND IF YOU NEED ANY HELP PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO LET US KNOW
JOHNNY AND CAROLYN
Margaret Bernard
January 13, 2021
I will never Sonny he was always smiling. I loved our Rook games we had so much fun I will miss him.
Roy Hendricks
January 13, 2021
Sonny was a great friend I will miss him.
Diane Duff
January 13, 2021
Frances, so sorry to hear of your loss.
My Sonny & I were high school sweetheart´s also! Hugs and sympathy to you and your family!
Andy Maddox
January 13, 2021
Even though we did not see each other much later in life you were and will always be a mentor to me. You helped shape who I am. You will be missed! RIP MY FRIEND!
Johnny/Rita Abbott
January 13, 2021
Frances and family, so very sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. He truly was loved by everyone and will be so very missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless
Kimberly J Cash
January 13, 2021
So Sorry for your loss. Sending Prayers to the Family, Sonny was one of my Dad's friends, they had fond memories of all of their adventures. He will be truly missed. Ralph, Kim and Sherry Cash
Robert and Susan Creasy
January 12, 2021
He will be missed. He was so generous and kind.
Glenn and Samantha Rosser
January 12, 2021
Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. Sonny was a great person and so giving. Everytime I look at a stuffed bear I will think of him. He loved making everyone smile.
Ken Franklin Jr and family
January 12, 2021
Our hears and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
May the Lord be your rock.
Richard Penland
January 12, 2021
Frances ,
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your entire family. Sonny was one of a kind
and friend to many in the world of racing. His name and legacy will always be a part of the history of racing on many fronts. Behind every good man is a good woman and we all knew that. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Richard Penland RPM
Jimmy and Bev Foster
January 12, 2021
Frances,
Our hearts are heavy and saddened upon hearing of Sonny's passing. The trail He left behind will continue to inspire us, along with all the wonderful memories of good times throughout the years. Our thoughts are with You, Kelly, Larry and the entire family; and we're praying God will comfort, strengthen and give you Hope as you celebrate Sonny's legacy.
In Sympathy & Friendship,
Jimmy & Bev
Alex Goolsby
January 12, 2021
RIP OLD WARRIOR, Iknow he,s probably doing a burn out right at Hevans gate what a true Southern gentleman.
Carolyn Shepherd
January 12, 2021
Frances, I am so very sorry. You are in my prayers. Sonny was a kind soul and a true gentleman. I will miss seeing that ever-present twinkle in his eye.
Kevin Triplett
January 12, 2021
My condolences to the family. Sonny was one of the nicest individuals that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He was a fine Christian man and will be missed.
Diane & Kenny Smith
January 12, 2021
Thoughts and prayers for the family. R.I.P Sonny, gone but not forgotten.
Kenneth Crist
January 12, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Frances and family.
Jimmy and Melinda Paulette
January 12, 2021
Dear Francis and family, Our deepest heart felt sympathy goes out to you and your family. We always enjoyed seeing ya'll at the Moose. Sonny truly never met a stranger and made you feel special with his wink or smile just for you. His generosity and kindness will be sadly missed by those who he touched in some way. May the next few weeks and months ahead be filled with memories of his good humor and shanagins that he was famous for. God bless you and thank you for sharing your best friend with us.
Cindy Smith Bailey
January 12, 2021
Francis, my heart is broken and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Kelly, Larry and the rest of the family. The world lost a wonderful man and heaven gained one. Much love and prayers for comfort.
Helen Jolley and Teresa Pulliam
January 12, 2021
Sonny was a special individual. He loved life and he loved people. He was very giving to those who needed it. Sonny will be missed by many. My heart goes out to Frances and his family. Praying for comfort.
Brenda Ward
January 12, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Frances and the family of my friend from 1727 Moose Lodge. Sonny will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Heaven Sonny.
Barry and Faye Martin
January 12, 2021
Frances, Kelly and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Josh loved Sonny like a father and we have great respect for sonny any his family. Prayers are coming your way and know that God will help you through this . Thank y´all for always taking care of my Josh.
Randy Gowen
January 12, 2021
Prayers for the family and friends. God bless each one and find comfort in the power of prayer.
Jean Alstad
January 12, 2021
My Condolences to the family! His love for people and the ability to make a stranger feel welcome in a new town would always be my blessings! When he found out I came here from the islands, my adventures of his great stories, was like being in a James Bond movie, except! It was directly from the writer´s mouth! Thank you, Sonny! R. I.P my friend
Debi Tummond
January 12, 2021
Sonny will be missed by our family and we celebrate that he has a very special place in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family which he loved so much! He is their own special guardian angel.
Love, The Tummond family
Jack & Peggy Lancaster
January 12, 2021
Frances, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sonny was an awesome, kind man, and a great friend. He will be greatly missed by everyone that had a chance to know him. RIP, Sonny, always in our hearts.
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