Mr. John Leonard, Jr. 59, of Midland, GA passed on Friday, December 11, 2020 in Columbus, GA
Graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m. EST, Friday, December 18, 2020 at Green Acres Cemetery Columbus, GA with Bishop G. Keith Blue, officiating. Visitation is Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 11-5 p.m. EST.
John Leonard Jr, affectionately known as "Bubba", was born to the late John and Wille Z. Bankston Leonard on July 14, 1961 in Whitesville, GA.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brother Willie F. Cotton.
John truly loved GOD and worked diligently in HIS service inside and outside of his church home, Body of Christ Church International, in Phenix City, AL. John was the head of the Man Up Men's Ministry and the lead Armor Bearer. He was also the Elder of our Youth Ministry. He truly adored his kids and had such a special relationship with them.
John previously worked many years for Buffalo Rock Pepsi before he stepped out on faith and became the proud owner of Christian Wear by Leonard in 2003. He loved his business and definitely his customers.
John is survived by his wife who absolutely adored him, Jackie Leonard; A son who above and beyond loved him, Sean Leonard(Kandis); three grandchildren: Kayah, Kelsey & Kyrie Leonard; his siblings: Bettye Davis, Roberta Williams (Kenneth), Jerry Leonard (Melody), Mary Hill (Anthony), Anthony Leonard (Diane), Andy Leonard, Vivian Walker (David); and his sister in law, Mary Cotton. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, godchildren, partners, friends and customers who truly loved him.
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY HEART AND MY KIDS HEARTS FOREVER. LOVE YOU AND MRS. JACKIE SO MUCH.
Big Sis Jackie. Where do I start? You and Big Brother John have been in my life the entire time I've lived here.
He truly was the best friend, mentor,protective Big Brother I could have. Thank you Big Sis Jackie for sharing him with me and so many others.
He gave so much to so many - never asking for anything in return. I'm praying that God's peace and comfort be with you and the family. I love you both, Patsy.
R.I.P. my friend ..
Mrs. Jackie and Family,
ONLY GOD!
Only God, can see you through Only God, can navigate your next steps Only God, can carry you, as you see HIS footprints in the sand Only God, can give you a peace that surpasses understanding Only God, can be a very present help in times of trouble
ONLY GOD!
Therefore, lift up your eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh your help. Your help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. God Got YOU!
Once again, we extend to you and family our condolences, love and prayer.
Love, Michael and Kim Brown
Jackie as I sit here and begin to type this my eyes fill with tears to know that Bubba won't be here physically, but I know his spirit will forever be watching over us all. I chose you and Bubba to be Tristian's God parents because once I found out the true meaning of what a God parent was for and I knew the love you and Bubba shared would play a part in how you would love my grandson and you both would be there for him if I or his mother (Lash) couldn't. I love y'all and I wish I wasn't so far away, but I always admire you and Bubba's love and if I had to choose what kind of love I wanted it would've been the one you 2 shared. You are forever in my heart and forever my family. May Gods peace cover you like I know it will!
To Jackie and family,
My heart is so heavy knowing your loss. I will miss my friend's crazy sense of humor and the many conversations we had over the years about church, the community, his GREAT love for you and your family and his love for the Most High. I have years of t-shirts and polo shirts that look as good today as the day I bought them, as do literally hundreds of Phenix City Head Start students, parents and staff members, Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church, and my personal family. He was a man of integrity, and a man of his word. I called him Buddy because he was exactly that. Again, my heart and prayers go out to you for the peace that only the Holy Spirit can give and that his homegoing celebration will be EXACTLY that, a celebration of a life well lived.
To my Dearest Sister Jackie
I was deeply saddened to hear about the untimely passing of your loving Husband, my brother, friend and mentor.. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. The inexorable laws of fate decreed that he be taken from us and obliged to move through the Celestial Gate to enter that bourn from which no other traveler shall return. Mere words are futile at a time like this to assuage the anguish that you may be feeling, because this was sincerely a personal loss.. We can only bow our heads to the will of God, the Father of us all, and say to ourselves; is there beyond the silent night an endless day? Is death a door that leads to light? We cannot say.The tongueless secret locked in fate. We cannot know; we watch and wait.
The Jackson Family loves and supports you and we're here for you.
Mrs. Leonard, I am deeply sadden to here of your loss. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
May God continue to keep you forever more.
Jackie, I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of your husband John. May God give you the strength and comfort you need in these time. May his precious soul RIP.
To the family, we are sorry for your loss. Please look to God during this difficult time and He will give you strength and peace to endure.
I'm heartbroken he was the kindest man i knew. I will forever miss getting those last min "Can you monogram" calls... He was a wonderful person would do anything he could to help someone if they needed it. My family will continue to pray for you Mrs Jackie and family. He is a man that can never be replaced. I will never forget all the times he stopped by the sewing shop just to check in on me and my parents.
Praying for the family, Brandi Brown and James and Ann Givens
Jackie and family,
I am so sorry for you and your family. I too will miss him as he was always a joy to be around. I will miss his smiling face and good humor along with his great Chile.
May the Holy Spirit bring peace to you knowing he is now in heaven with Jesus.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Preserve and share memories of your loved one by creating a Forever Missed online memorial. More at Forever Missed