Walter Paul Leonard

Walter Paul Leonard, 93, went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2016. Walter was the son of Mary Maggie Blessing Leonard and James Campbell Leonard and the last survivor of his siblings, Kate, Callie, Marie, and Robert. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Anne and John Trudel (Nashville, TN); grandchildren, Daniel and Julie Trudel (Nashville, TN); stepchildren, Mildred Watts (Concord, NC), Juanita Schneider (Canton, NC), and Doug Patton (Clyde, NC); step grandchildren Ingrid Whitworth (Arden, NC) and William Watts (Concord, NC); and step great-grandchildren Sarah, John, Anna, and James Durkin (Mooresville, NC). Other survivors include first cousin and brother-in-law Rev. Paul Blessing (Weber City, VA); and nephews and nieces: Bill Blessing (Cincinnati, OH); Sue Arnold (Duffield, VA), Joe Blessing (Williamsburg, VA), Jan Necessary (Pittsburgh, PA), Craig Farley (Minden, LA), Diane Robinette (Knoxville, TN), Betty Ruth Dunham (Knoxville, TN), Lloyd Grim (Carters Valley, TN), Frances Bates (Kingsport, TN), Evelyn Shepard (Duffield, VA), Barbara Leonard Tollie (Bristol, VA), Phyllis Bacon (Kingsport, TN), Jack Gilliam, Mack Gilliam (Snowflake, VA), Wayne Gilliam (Gate City, VA), Howard Tipton (Gate City, VA), Freddie Quillen Roark (Gate City, VA), and Janet Norman (Lexington, SC). Walter was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Bernice Robinette Leonard, in 1991. His second wife, Helen Davis Patton Leonard, to whom he was married for 21 years, died in August 2015. A World War II veteran, Walter served in the Army Air Force from 1943-1945. He earned a business degree from King College in Bristol, VA. Walter taught for a couple of years at Yuma High School, worked for several years as a bookkeeper at A&G Electric in Weber City, VA, and ended his career as a production clerk with AFG Industries in Kingsport, TN. Walter served as volunteer treasurer for Clinch Valley Baptist Association for more than 20 years. He was a deacon at Zion Baptist Church, Fairview, VA, for many years before moving to Canton, NC upon his marriage to Helen Patton in 1994. He was an active member of Canton First Baptist Church until the decline of his health. He also was a member of the Canton Civitan Club. He will be remembered as a kind, honest, dedicated Christian who strived to keep a positive attitude even in the face of difficulties. Scott County Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visitation with the family is at the funeral home from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, followed by the funeral service in the funeral home chapel at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul Blessing and Pastor Steve Collins officiating. A military graveside service will take place at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, on Monday, October 31 at 10:30. Those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:15. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's memory to Canton First Baptist Church, 74 Academy St., Canton, NC 28716, or to The Salvation Army.