NASHVILLE - Donald R. "Rickey" Leonard, Jr., age 66, ECU Class of 1974, departed this earthly existence into the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Born in Davidson County, NC on June 4, 1952, he was the son of the late Donald "Don" Richard Leonard, Sr. and Emma Jean Shoaf Leonard.
Rickey played on Sonny Randle's Southern Conference Championship teams in 1972 and 1973 as an offensive lineman, blocking for the likes of ECU legends Carl Summerell and Carlester Crumpler. Rickey played his first two years of college football at Chowan Junior College before transferring to ECU. With amazing agility for a man his size, Rickey excelled in football, wrestling and baseball at Rocky Mount Senior High School. He played both ways in high school, ironically having to defend against Carlester Crumpler for the three years RMSH played Wilson Fike. Following his graduation from ECU, Rickey went to work for a Maryland-based fire protection company, BFPE, installing commercial kitchen fire suppression systems in Hardee's restaurants headquartered in Rocky Mount originally at that time. Due to his hard work and efforts, he grew BFPE's North Carolina presence into an industry leader it is today. Rickey was an Eagle Scout and won the Hardee's Athlete of the year at RMSH in 1970 and played softball in the City and Church leagues in the Rocky Mount area. Rickey was a former deacon at Parkwood Baptist Church. He was a member of Northside Community Church. Rickey will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, a great athlete and a true Pirate.
Rickey leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 46 years, Dorothy Davidson Leonard; children, Heather D. Leonard Bailey and husband, Thomas, Kelly L. Batts and husband, Andy, Donald R. "Bo" Leonard, III and wife, Randi. He is also survived by grandchildren, Donald R. "Donnie" Leonard, IV, Alexis Leonard, Jade Leonard, Hunter Bailey, Toby Bailey, Joey Batts, Will Batts; and siblings, Terry G. Leonard and wife, Donna, and Mike N. Leonard and wife, Susan.
A Celebration of Rickey's Life will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Mark Pridgen officiating. A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service in the Northside Community Church Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Northside Community Church Sanctuary
1660 Beaver Pond Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Saturday 10/6, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
A Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service in the Northside Community Church Sanctuary.
Service
Northside Community Church
1660 Beaver Pond Road
Rocky Mount , NC 27804
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Saturday 10/6, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
A Celebration of Rickey's Life will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Mark Pridgen officiating.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Bo n Randi I’m here if yall need anything
Dorothy and family, My hearts really hurts for you. You have been through so much. My prayers for you all will be that each day gets better.
Our hearts are broken but fond memories of Rickey will always be with us. We loved him very much and knew him as a good man, great father to his children and loving husband to Dorothy. Rest in peace dear nephew.
Pat and I are very sorry for your lost. Our prayers are with you and your family.
In memory of Donald R. Rickey Leonard, Jr., Dawn Flowers lit a candle
We love you and our prayers are with your family. RIP sweet man
Rickey was the epitome of a true christian man. I only knew him for about 6 years. Our times together were sporadic, but we would always talk about our family and our beliefs. No matter what period of time may have transpired from our last meeting, it was like we just picked up from that point and moved forward in our relationship like no time had elapsed at all. I have always had the upmost respect for both Rickey and Dorothy. I ask myself, as difficult as it is, to try and live my life the way I saw Rickey live his. He set the bar very high. If I can only be half the man he was, I’m doing well. Rickey will be missed by some many, but will leave a forever enduring impact on all of us who were blessed to know him. God Bless Rickey!
Dorothy, So very sorry to hear of Rickey’s passing. I pray that you and your family will have peace and comfort in the days ahead in the sweet memories you have during your lifetime together.
This great man will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We love you! Michael and Erin Crowe
In memory of Donald R. Rickey Leonard, Jr., Darlene patterson lit a candle
Dorothy so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy, Jimmie and I are so sad to hear about Ricky. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmie and Lou Carson
Dorothy and family I am so sorry for your loss. Rickey was a great man and will be missed. I have many fond memories from both church and BFPE and family get togethers over the years. Take care of yourselves and God bless.
Dorothy. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Rickey well though it was long ago. Please know that I am lifting you and your family up in prayer. Susan Mixon Harrell
Dorothy, so sorry to read of Rickeys passing, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Floyd- Linda Nicks
To the family, I just want to express my sincere condolences to the loss of your love one. Death is a powerful hurt and the last enemy that plague all of us. (1 Corinthians 1526) But there is a hope for your love one. The scriptures tell us that there is going to be a resurrection and Jesus, under the direction of his heavenly Father, Jehovah, is going to bring those out of the memorial tombs. (John 528,29; Psalms 8318) So, even though mourning is something we will all do when death occurs, please remember that your love one is safe in God’s memory. Again, please accept my condolences, and if there is anything you would like to know about Jehovah, his Son, Jesus, and what they are planning on doing in the future, please visit our website at http://www.jw.org. J. Bryant
Al and I are so saddened to hear of Rickey’s passing. Keeping you all close in prayer.
Dorothy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rickey’s passing. He was always such a very kind person. I won’t forget how you and Rickey were so good to me in college and I appreciated Rickey’s generosity in letting me ride home with you guys on weekends. I remember your beautiful wedding as well. And now I have the pleasure of attending the same church as Keli and Andy. Dorothy, I am sincerely sorry for your loss and I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
So sorry Heather to hear about your dad. Praying for comfort and peace to you and your family
I have been blessed to have known two wonderful men in my life. One was my Daddy, .the other was Ricky. You always spoke truth and were the glue that held everyone together. You will be missed, but praise God there will come a day of reunion. Thank you for being the wonderful loving man to all. You will be terribly missed by those who relied on your wisdom and humor. May God give them peace through this time of loss. The world is a bit darker without youit light.