Dr. James Ellis Leonard: Obituary

Dr. James Ellis Leonard, age 85, of Brasstown, passed away Friday, April 1, 2016, at Clay County Care Center. Dr. Leonard was born October 25, 1930, in Plant City, FL to the late James Henry Leonard and the late Lola Mae Calvert Leonard.

Dr. Leonard was a graduate of Plant City High School in Plant City, Florida. He also was a graduate from Norman Park Junior College with an Associate of Arts degree in Norman Park, Ga., Mercer University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Macon, Ga., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor of Divinity degree, Doctor of Psychology, Master of Theology – honors program New Orleans, LA., and from Homestead College of Bible with a Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Theology, Homestead, FL.

He served the Lord in 19 churches during his ministry and served as interim pastor in NC.
At the time of his death he was a member of Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.

After retiring in 1992, Dr. Leonard moved to North Carolina where he began the hobby of wood lathe turning and also teaching at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School for several years.

Survivors include: wife, Joyce Heath Leonard, daughter, Sherry L Lemons, son-in-law Bill Bishop and grandson, Derrick MacGillivray, brother, Bill Leonard (deceased), Cousin Rodney Calvert.

Funeral services: Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 2:00 pm at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. George Thomasson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Bill Bishop, Pierce Luther, Bill Earnest, Steve McCranie, Paul Hodge, and Fred Carson.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the building fund at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, Murphy, NC.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.