Viewing will be held Thursday, July 30, 2020 from noon until 7:00 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. Graveside service will be held Friday, July 31, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Vanza Wesley Leonard was born September 6, 1930 to Doctor Joe Leonard and Minnie Ola Pearson Leonard in Coosa County, Alabama. He was the tenth of twelve children. He departed this life on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

He confessed Christ at an early age and joined Phillipi Baptist Church in Coosa County. Mr. Leonard attended the public schools of Coosa County, Alabama. He later moved to Birmingham  the age of 17. He enjoyed a long career at Britling Cafeteria in Birmingham where he met the ove of his life Miss Mamie Hardy. The two were wed on their lunch break on June 19, 1950 at the Birmingham Court House. Their witness was Miss Mamie's aunt, Bessie Young Tripp, who also took her lunch break to "stand up" for the couple. Mr. Leonard joined First Baptist Church,
Fairfield.

Mr. Leonard also worked as a chef at the BJCC and First Alabama Bank's Executive Dining Room. He retired from First Alabama Bank.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard were blessed with two lovely children, Ronald Eugene and Vanessa Dale. Mr. Leonard always had a special place in his heart for young children. Throughout his life he was a caring, fun loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, neighbor and friend to all who were privileged to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and eleven siblings, Walker Leonard, Sherman Leonard, Elizabeth Dawson, Minnie Dixie, Frances Leonard, Mae Jesta Leonard, Comer Leonard, Mattie B. Newing, Catherine Leonard, Celia Toms, and Alma Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his two children, Ronald Eugene Leonard and Vanessa Dale Leonard Chavers; seven grandchildren, Keldrick (Fameka) Leonard, Sterrett, Ala, Koryell Leonard, LaSheila Henderson both of Birmingham, Vanza and Toby Leonard, West Palm Beach, Florida, Philecia Chavers Avery, Goodletsville, TN, April Chavers (Jaafre') Bolden, Nolensville, TN; ten great grandchildren; a special caregiver Brandon Andrews; a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins, other relatives and friends.