James “Barry” Leonard, 84, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital in Murfreesboro TN. The Graveside Service is 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Pegram TN.
Barry was born on September 22, 1940 in Wilkes Barre PA to James Richard Leonard and Catherine Collins Leonard. They preceded him in death, as did his younger brother Brian William Leonard.
Barry was proud to be a member of the United States Army Special Forces and served two tours in Vietnam. He retired after 20 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was also proud of being an Eagle Scout and served for many years as a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts in Decatur IL. He worked as the Risk Manager for the City of Decatur IL and retired from that position in 2008.
Surviving are his wife Kate Ruth Adams Leonard, his two children, Mary Kate (Chad) Martin of Frisco TX and Jamey (Jessica) Leonard of Columbia MO, his grandchildren Zachary and Rylee Martin, Emery and Stone Leonard, his stepchildren Duane (Elle) Williams of Mountain View CA, Kandy Williams of Cookeville TN, Adam Williams of Lebanon TN, and Heather (Sarah) Williams of Compton/Chicago IL, his step-granddaughter Kalina Williams, and his former wife and the mother of his children, Carol Zerngast Leonard. He is also survived by his Aunt Joan Eagen and many cousins.
Barry was an avid reader and loved watching sports on TV. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Donations in his honor may be made to Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro TN, where he was a resident for the past few months, and/or to Catholic Charities.
Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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