Jesse Tate Leonard, age 95, of Asheboro, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021.
Jesse was born in Ramseur on December 5, 1925 to Oscar Tate and Ora Elizabeth Shaw Leonard. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Odessa (Jackie) Wood Leonard, second wife Annie Jean Varner Leonard; sisters, Mary Palmer and Sarah White.
Jesse thanked the good Lord every day for his blessings. He was a sweet, polite man who always thanked you and told you he appreciated all you did for him. His love for family and friends was genuine. Jesse was very proud of his service in the US Army during WWII. He joined Ash-Rand Rescue in February 1964 as an active volunteer, serving 20 years. He was a member of Meadowbrook Road Church of Christ and retired from Black and Decker.
Jesse is survived by daughters, Charlotte Leonard and Phyllis (Clarence) Martens; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Tracey) Wilkerson, Donald (Kandy) Wilkerson, Gary (Theresa) Martens, Sharon (Todd) Nance; great-grandchildren, Lucas (Amy) Wilkerson, Jordan Martens, Christian Martens, Molly (Anthony) Montanti, Trevor Wilkerson, Jesse Nance, Jaden Nance and Brian Yow; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; special friend David Dunker.
Jesse's body will lie in repose on Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 11:00 am-12:30 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A graveside service will follow on Thursday at 1:00 pm at Oaklawn Cemetery with Minister Chandler Francis officiating and with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff and residents at Mountain Top Living for the love and kindness given to Jesse the last 5 years. Also to Hospice of Randolph and all of his caregivers.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph County, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203; Randolph County Honor Guard, PO Box 1672, Asheboro, NC 27204; Meadowbrook Road Church of Christ, 631 Meadowbrook Road, Asheboro, NC 27203.