OBITUARY: Sherman Wesley ‘Pops’ Leonard Sr.

Sherman Wesley “Pops” Leonard Sr., born September 22, 1927, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Sherman, known as “Pops” to many, was preceded in death by his bride, Lillie Mae (aka Granny Mae) Leonard, who went home to be with the Lord in 2010. Sherman and Granny Mae were married for 61 years. The couple left their stamp on this world by raising 5 amazing children, Sharron (Dave) Rankin, Sherman Wesley “Wes” (Darlene) Leonard Jr., Daniel (Barbara) Leonard, Ray (Joy) Leonard, and Roy (Carrie Lynn) Leonard. Sherman’s legacy also lives on his 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and many close friends who are like family.

Sherman was the only child of Myrtle and Joseph Aaron Leonard and grew up in Arlington Virginia.

Sherman served in the Merchant Marines during WWII. After he returned home from service, he met and courted his wife and they moved to the Nashville area. Once there, they started their family and left his stamp on the city of Antioch, by opening the first full-service gas station in the area before I-24 was created.

Sherman was also an avid toy train collector. He collected Lionel trains and restored them. He is well known and respected throughout the train collecting community as “kind, respectful, and gentle.”

Sherman was a quiet, loving, proud man who loved fiercely and was always there with words of guidance and advice. A great follower of God’s word and plan, Sherman was ready to go home and see Jesus and his bride Lillie Mae and his family that has gone on before him. Sherman was the oldest living Leonard male of the Leonard family which arrived in America in 1750. He was 95.

The Celebration of Life, conducted by Pastor Marc Huddleston, is 11 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023 in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN. Interment beside his beloved wife Mae will follow the service. Pallbearers: Dale Conard, Stephen Leonard, Jacob Leonard, Zachary Leonard, Cade Leonard, and great-grandsons Caleb Conard and Hayden Mattox. Great-grandsons will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Visitation at the funeral home is Friday from 9 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m.

Please make Memorial Donations in his name to Accent Hospice. For those who prefer to write a check, any donation can be made to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, IL 60677.

Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393. https://sellarsfuneralservices.com

For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/

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