Leonard Willson

1932 - 2025

Leonard Alfred Willson, Jr passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on January 27, 1932 in Charlotte, NC, to Alice Haynes Carter Willson (Rock Hill, SC) and Leonard Alfred Willson (Rock Hall, Maryland). By Al's first birthday, his family moved to his beloved Raleigh, where he would live out the majority of his many years. Al was the oldest of five children - 3 brothers, 2 of which were twins, and a sister - Bernard, Mary Jane, Horace, and Joe Willson. His siblings all raised each of their own families in North Carolina, and he had outlived them all.

Al attended Myrtle Underwood Elementary, just a short walk from his school-aged home on The Circle. He later attended Murphy School and Hugh Morson High School - where he earned the names Bear Hug and Thick. In 11th grade Al joined a Naval Reserve Unit. Formative schooling was followed by military service as an officer in the US Naval Air Corps. During the Korean War he was a radioman, navigator and air crew on a Navy patrol bomber specializing in anti-submarine warfare. His unit patrolled waters over Greenland, Iceland and Nova Scotia. His letters home often spoke of missing his mom's fried chicken, and seeing Betty Grable's $3 million dollar legs at a USO show while based in Reykjavik, Iceland. After completion of his military service Al returned to his coursework at North Carolina State University where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Al met his wife of 67 years, Alice Marie Thompson, during their mid-20's - introduced by mutual friends. After many a date at The Blue Tower Restaurant on Hillsborough St. they married in 1956. While newly married, Al & Marie moved to Alexandria, VA, as Al began his studies at George Washington University, studies in law with an emphasis on Intellectual Property/Patents. Al's major law career endeavors were with the US Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, DC, Chemstrand Corporation and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. Ultimately, following closely along, were Al & Marie's five children.

In recent years Al loved nothing more than his home & yard projects, neighbors, Wednesday morning men's Early Bird fellowship at First Presbyterian Church, Sunday school & worship on Sunday mornings. He was an avid reader and always had a pulse on all things news related. He loved watching both college & professional football. Prior to Covid he spent much of his time at the YMCA on Hillsborough Street, working out and enjoying conversations with friends. Al was a kind man, always interested in what was going on in other's lives. If you knew Al, he was your friend.

Al is preceded in death by Marie in February 2024 & his eldest son, Leonard Alfred Willson III in 2010. He is survived by his four children: Kathryn Marie Willson, John Carter Willson, Mary Alice Willson, and Martha Neale Willson Connor (David) and two granddaughters, Alice Carter Connor & Sarah Helen Connor, and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Friendship Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 112 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.