Raymond Everett Leonard

Raymond Everett Leonard, 83 of Lexington, was called to his eternal home on Friday, April 13, 2012. He was born in Davidson County on August 4, 1928 to Arthur Lee and Lola Elizabeth Craver Leonard. As a lifelong resident of Midway, he was actively involved in many aspects of serving his Lord, his family and his community. He grew up in Midway United Methodist Church with his family and later became a member of Hebron United Church of Christ where he has served as an Elder and Usher. With over 23 years or service, he retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Helping people was his passion. In 1958 he became a Charter Member of Midway Volunteer Fire Department where he served in various capacities over the years and actually laid the first block in a foundation that would continue to grow. He later received the honor of being named Squad Member of The Year in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 2002 and was recognized and honored by his fellow Firefighters in 2008 for 50 years of dedicated service to the Department. To continue his dedication of serving the community on a broader basis, he completed training for his EMT-IV certification and spent 10 years working with the Davidson County Emergency Medical Service. He also spent a considerable amount of time working with the Davidson County Rescue Squad and become actively involved in bringing a Hospice Program to Davidson County where he spent 5 years working as a volunteer. Being able to help was Raymond's objective in everything he did whether it was donating almost 10 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross or helping build clubhouses and fire pits at the local facilities. In addition to the various jobs he held and the support he provided, Raymond spent free time gardening, farming, as well as raising cows, horses and dogs. Mr. Leonard is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 64 years, Thelma Nifong Leonard who survives of the home; sons Jimmy (Jim) Leonard, Danny Leonard and wife, Kaye and Eddie Leonard and wife, Magdelena all of Lexington, NC; grandsons, Kevin Leonard, Garrett Leonard and wife Jamie, Kyle Leonard and wife Stacey and Christopher Leonard all of Lexington, NC and Tyler Leonard and his wife Michal of Archdale, NC; three great-grandchildren Bailey Leonard, Silas Leonard and Mason Leonard all of Lexington, NC; sister-in-law Edith Leonard of Lexington; numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and special friends, Renee Lagle and Casey Hilton who are all going to miss him greatly. He was preceded by his parents, brothers, Fred Leonard, Willie Leonard and sisters, Mary Leonard Nifong and Lala Leonard. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 16, at 11:00 am at Hebron United Church of Christ on Hebron Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC with the Rev. Dave Carter officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home - Silas Creek Chapel. Memorials may be directed to Hebron United Church of Christ, 129 Hebron Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 or Midway Fire Department, 228 Midway School Road, Lexington. On line condolences may be made to silascreek@hayworth-miller.com. The family would like to extend a heart-felt thanks to the staff of Forsyth Medical Center's Neuro ICU unit and the eighth floor Palliative Care Center for the care, kindness and support given during Raymond's time there.

Cemetery:
Hebron United Church of Christ

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