Thomas Donald Leonard, Jr.

February 1, 2025

MONROE– Tom (Tommy) Leonard passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, after a brave battle with the effects of Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia.  He was surrounded by his wife, Ana, and other family and friends in the weeks before his passing.  Tom was born January 25, 1952, in Columbia, SC to the late Carolyn Ables Leonard and Thomas Donald Leonard.  He grew up in Charlotte, NC with two younger siblings and enjoyed every day with his family and friends.

Tom graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1970, where he met many great friends that he loved and cherished for the rest of his life.  He attended East Carolina University and Lenoir-Rhyne College.  His close friends called him ‘Rock’ and the family believed it was because he liked to sit and ponder the day.  On a summer night in 1972 at the family dinner table he laughed and claimed that he had never been number one at anything.  That day he had received a military draft number of two!  He then volunteered to join the United States Army, 82nd Airborne, where he went on to make numerous paratrooper jumps, including one over Turkey where he became one of a few to fly to Europe without landing in the plane that took him there.

Tom met his loving wife, Ana Castillo, in 2007 while visiting his father in a Charlotte assisted living facility.  They were married in 2009 and resided in Indian Trail, NC where Tom worked for Harris-Teeter Grocers Distribution for over 40 years.  He drove semi-trucks all over the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Florida while picking up and delivering large loads to grocery stores.  He was proud to have a safe driving record of over one and one-half million miles during that time and was named Driver of the Year in 2016.

Tom grew up in Providence Baptist Church before joining Indian Trail Baptist Church just before he became disabled.  He was an active follower of Christ throughout his life.  He enjoyed blue-grass music and US History.  Tom often traveled to Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields, Williamsburg, Va, and other historic sites.  He loved to drive the backroads and hunt for mountain festivals and good southern food.  He enjoyed college sports, stock-car racing, and pro football and baseball including the Atlanta Braves and Green Bay Packers.  Tom and his brother traveled to various NASCAR races and 11 Major League Baseball parks over the years after seeing the New York Yankees as kids in 1962.

He is survived by his wife Ana; sister, Margaret Leonard Houston of Colorado Springs, CO, and brother, Michael H. Leonard (Ann) of Charlotte; nieces, Katy Houston (Josh), Beth Houston, Kathy Leonard Frisch (Chad) and Caroline Rorie Mahon (Reilly); nephew, Will Rorie and special friend Betsy Rorie Leonard.  Also surviving are his two uncles and one aunt, and many cousins.  He was honored to be the oldest of 26 cousins on his mother’s side and one of 8 cousins on his father’s side.  He faithfully attended every family function as he was able.   

The family would like to thank the staff of Atrium Health Union West and Atrium Health McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe, NC.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC.  A memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM at Providence Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Tom to Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Charles Waters

    Tom was a great friend. Got to know him while working with HT. Always enjoyed our conversations. He was a great guy
    After my retirement, we would try to meet for lunch once a month. Great lunches and conversations. I always missed him after I moved to the beach. Sorry about his illness.
    What a great friend
    Blessings and a better life for you
    God will provide

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  • Robert Jones

    I lived in the Cotswold area on Woodlark Lane and knew Tommy from the neighborhood as well as from East Mecklenburg. We graduated in the same class 1970. I saw Tommy occasionally over the years and always enjoyed talking and laughing with him, telling old High School stories. Tommy, you are loved, missed and greatly respected. Rest in Peace.

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  • Joan Harpootlian Thomas

    I am so sad to hear of Tommy’s passing. He was a wonderful guy with a great sense of humor and a loving spirit. Rest in Peace Tommy.

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  • Roger Privette

    Mike, Thinking of ya!!

    Roger

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  • Mark Pfaff

    From my earliest memories, Tom and I knew each other through activities at Providence Baptist Church, where both our families were active members. His mom and my mom were good friends. Two memories come to mind while we were growing up: First, Tom was the first guy I knew (our age) who started shaving. In seventh grade, Tom already had heavy, dark whiskers. Second, in high school, when many guys were vocal about their interactions with girls, Tom told me “It’s disrespectful to take advantage of affections with girls.” I’ve always remembered his comment, because it showed sensitivity and unusual maturity. In recent years, Emily and I have enjoyed fellowship with Tom and Ana. We first met Ana at Calvary Church (with Tom) when they were first dating. Ana and I worked together for several years at Calvary and occasionally the four of us would get together.

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  • Suzanne Greene Baillie

    Tommy was a great guy. He know he fought fiercely against that awful disease. May you rest well now, dear friend. Thoughts and prayers to Anna, family and friends. ???

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  • Suzanne Greene Baillie

    Tommy was a great guy. I am sure he fought against that awful disease with all his might. May God grant his wife, family and friends peace and understanding. Cherish his memory. Rest well dear friend.

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  • Rick Mende

    He was one of the genuine good guys, and lived a life consistent with his faith. I’m privileged to have known him through high school and afterward. My prayers are with the family.

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  • Dennis Kirkley

    It's hard to say goodbye to Rock, my good friend since East Meck high school days and brother in the Lord since days together at Providence Baptist Church. He was always there for good conversation and laughs, and a fun b-ball game too (actually that's how I thought he got the name Rock... because that's what he felt like whenever I ran into him on the court!). Rock loved his family and the Church Family at Providence Baptist (and especially the Picnic on the Grounds every year!). In all the fun, Rock had such a respect for God and His Kingdom work. He was also such a steady friend to my brother Dale over many years. What a guy! He will be dearly missed!

    My parents considered Rock (they called him Tom) to be like another son to them. He often came over for Sunday lunch and in summertime he would greatly enjoy a churn of peach ice cream with us and other adopted 'son' Howard Nicholson on the back patio. For just us guys, our highlights with Rock were trips down to Ocean Drive SC, blasting out Motown 'beach music' and happily searching for the lovely girls in the PBC Class of '70, of which he was a vital part.

    What more can I say... Rock was a gift from God and we enjoyed him immensely. I know he is now enjoying the presence of the Lord in a way that we simply can't imagine. I sure look forward to seeing you again, Rock! God bless and keep you!

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  • Shelton S Goldstein

    So sorry to hear about Tommy. We went to Cotswold, McClintock and East Meck together and grew up around the corner from one another. He was a lovely man and I know that he will missed. All my best to his family and community.

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