Jesse "Cotton" Edward Leonard

Jesse Edward “Cotton” Leonard, 70, died peacefully at his home, Friday, March 1, 2013. He had been in declining health for several years. The funeral will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, at Reeds United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gary Foster officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2013, at Davidson Funeral Home and other times at the home. Mr. Leonard was born February 18, 1943, in Davidson County, to Adam Lee and Helen Essick Leonard. He was a member of Reeds United Methodist Church. Cars were his passion. As a teenager, he started his business “Cotton’s Used Cars” which grew into his lifelong legacy. He was well known throughout the community for his wonderful sense of humor and contagious laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cotton is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Linda Hege Leonard, who never left his side; two daughters, Amy Leonard and her friend Tim Walser of Lexington, and Tina Ledford and husband Chris of Clemmons; three grandchildren, Jordan Leonard and his friend Samantha, Jesse Ledford and Molly Ledford; one great-granddaughter, Victoria Leonard; one brother, Jerry Leonard and wife, Faye; to many special friends to count; and last, but not least, his beloved and devoted dog “Pepper”. Memorials may be sent to Reeds United Methodist Church, 4713 West Old Highway 64, Lexington, NC 27295.