Kenneth Norman Leonard

Kenneth Norman Leonard passed away peacefully at his home on February 26, 2026, in Lexington, North Carolina, at the age of 92. Kenneth lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of honor, dedication, and cherished memories. He was known for his active and lively spirit.

Kenneth was born on Saturday, August 5, 1933, in Lexington, NC, to Norman and Edna Curry Leonard. He was the first of ten children. From a very young age, his aunt and uncle, Nettie and George Shoaf, were very influential in Kenneth’s upbringing and were most often considered as second parents to him. Kenneth graduated from Welcome School.

In 1953, he proudly joined the United States Air Force. It was during this time that he met his soulmate, Carolyn Cope. Kenneth and Carolyn were married in 1956 and shared nearly 60 wonderful years together. He served his country until 1958 and continued his commitment to service by joining the Air National Guard. He also attended Forsyth Technical College and began a long and dedicated career with AT&T. Kenneth retired in 1991 after more than 30 years with AT&T and earned the rank of Master Sergeant in the National Guard. After retirement, he devoted himself full-time to his lifelong passion for farming.

Throughout his life, Kenneth found joy in his hobbies and interests. He was an avid collector of many kinds of antiques, and other interesting memorabilia. Kenneth was deeply devoted to his faith, his family and cherished their traditions. He actively participated in his family's lives, taking special interest in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took pride in the fact that he could remain active well into his later years.

Along with his parents and aunt and uncle, Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife; Carolyn Cope Leonard; sons, Steven Kenneth Leonard and Andrew Shea Leonard as well as seven siblings.

Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Jill Kirby and husband, Louis; son, Jody Leonard; grandchildren, John Walser Jr., Jennifer Wilson and husband, Rob, Jordan Leonard and Sarah Yeakley, and Jailyn Cook and husband, James; great-grandchildren, Macie Emerson, Victoria Leonard, Micah Leonard, Quinn Norman Cook, and Claire Cook; brother, Bernard Leonard; sister, Patricia Perryman and husband, Jimmy; as well as close friends, Sonya and Buck Merritt and Dr. Max Walser.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington. A funeral service to celebrate Kenneth's life will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 2:00pm at Cross Point Church of Lexington with Pastor Michael Greer officiating.  Burial to follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Lexington.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending donations to the Fellowship Hall Fund at Cross Point Church of Lexington, NC, as Kenneth was a founding member and took great pride in his church.