Stanley Kent Leonard

Stanley “Stan” Leonard, born in Welcome, NC, to J.W. and Libby Leonard, passed away on February 23, leaving behind a trail of love, laughter, and life lessons that will be cherished forever. His family, friends, and all those who knew him will never forget the unforgettable mark he made on this world.

Stan was a son and a brother. He grew up with his siblings in the warm and loving family that J.W. and Libby Leonard created. Always competitive, he and his older brother Richie competed daily in endless games of ping pong, croquet, badminton and horseshoes (and on a rainy day, Monopoly). Richie was older and bigger, but Stan was the better athlete, so they were even matches. His early athletic prowess showed when Welcome got its first little league team when he was eight. The rules required that the team consist of five twelve-year-olds, five eleven-year-olds, and five ten and under. The latter group was four ten-year-old players and an eight-year-old Stan, who was in the starting lineup. His athletic ability really shone in high school, where he was the football center, a basketball forward, and the baseball catcher, winning conference and statewide accolades. Cheering him on from the stands at every game were his mom and dad, his dad sometimes a bit too loudly.

Stan was a devoted husband. In 1982, he married Elizabeth “Beth” Echols, the love of his life. Beth said, “I first saw him on the softball field and thought he was incredibly attractive. Then he hit one clear out of the park, and I knew I had to meet him.” As luck would have it, the bar Beth worked at during college was also the local watering hole around the corner from the softball field. That became their meeting place after the games, and from there, their love story was written. She’ll always remember Stan as “the kindest and most patient man” she’d ever met, a sentiment shared by everyone who crossed his path.

Stan was a proud father. He and Beth welcomed two sons, Scott and Kevin, just 15 months apart, and in them, Stan saw the joy of his life. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Stan shared that love with his boys. Stan was a good backyard pitcher. Good enough to let both of his son’s crush hits off him with a grin. But that’s the kind of dad he was – he coached with patience and passion, always putting the kids first. His “team-first, kid-first” mentality made him an incredible coach in baseball and basketball, and many of the athletes he mentored are better people because of him. Whether in Welcome or beyond, his impact was immeasurable.

Stan was a Tar Heel, through and through. A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina in 1977, Stan bled Carolina Blue. Listening to games on the radio was his preferred way to go – at least that way, he could imagine how awful they were playing without having to watch it. He would remark with frustration as a questionable shot choice made its way to the rim, while still managing to say, “good shot…” with his face in his hands as it swished through the basket. Every year, there was always one point guard who was decent, but just short of being Tar Heel material. Though he may have thrown his hands up more times than he could count, their efforts on the field and court brought him great joy watching and cheering on their success. Stan’s love for Carolina was unwavering and he will join the ranks of the “Tar Heel Dead” that have come before him.

Stan was a builder. For 41 years, from 1974 to 2015, he worked with Buckner Steel Erection, helping to construct some of the most iconic buildings in the Southeast. As a Project Manager, he was responsible for the steel structures that supported everything from sports arenas to hospitals, universities to airports. If you’ve ever set foot in Hanes Mall or flown through RDU, you’ve been inside one of Stan’s creations. His dedication to his craft was unmatched, and he retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, excellence, and the ability to achieve the impossible.

Stan was a golfer. Sundays at Wilshire were his favorite days, spent with good friends and a healthy dose of lighthearted competition. While he may not have been the best at clearing the creek on #1 (okay, let’s be honest, it rarely happened), he was always the first to shout “Good shot!” even when he couldn’t quite see where the ball landed. For Stan, it was never about perfection – or actually knowing where Jim’s ball went – it was about enjoying the game and the company.

Stan was a proud grandfather. Later in life, he was blessed with a grandson, Vince, who became the apple of his eye. His love for Vince was boundless and they saw each other nearly every day. It’s the unwavering love he gave his family that we will remember most. He was the best and it didn’t matter if you weren’t on that particular day.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Janie Bryan, and his beloved son, Scott, who tragically passed away less than a year ago at the age of 39. The loss of Scott left an unfillable hole in Stan’s heart, but through it all, Stan continued to love his family with depth and strength.

Stan is survived by his loving wife Beth Leonard; son, Kevin Leonard (Katie) of Burlington, Daughter in Law, Tinne Leonard and grandson Vince De Coster Leonard of Welcome.

Stan leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication. Always a warm smile and wink to lighten the mood. His memory will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him. Thank you, Stan, for being the best. You’ll forever be loved, and you’ll never be forgotten.

A celebration of Stan’s life will be held at The Venue at Big Oak Farms (1381 Hoover Rd, Lexington, NC 27295) on Friday, March 7 from 5-8 PM. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in honor of Stan be made to Davidson Medical Ministries, PO Box 584, Lexington, NC 27293.