Charles R. Leonard

Charles Ronald Leonard, 70, entered into eternal peace on Sunday, April 16, 2017, at the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Ron was born on December 12th, 1946, a son of the late Lee and Dorothy Leonard. He attended King College for two years and transferred to Virginia Tech where he graduated with his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later received his MBA from the University of Tennessee. Ron worked at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport and retired after 32 years. He then moved to Little River, SC and became a Consultant for Life Cycle Engineering where he traveled the world and worked with numerous companies. Ron retired from this position after 10 years of service. Before becoming ill, he had accepted a position with Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church where he was excited to become the Director of Discipleship.

Ron was married to Peggy, his wife of 48 years, and together they raised three wonderful boys. He was a devoted family man, loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed swinging in the back yard with his beloved dog Molly. He also enjoyed his many hobbies including golf, playing the banjo, reading, and studying the Bible.

Ron had many life adventures. He traveled to all ends of the earth with friends, colleagues and family members. He loved taking pictures and reminded everyone that they weren’t pictures, they were memories! Ron was devoted to learning throughout his life and loved to share his knowledge through teaching Sunday School, co-authoring books, his consulting work, and speaking at various engagements. He was a devoted member of SMRP (Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and had countless lifelong friends through those memberships. He was also a member of the Ruritan for many years and attained the title of Ruritan Governor for one year.

Ron was a dedicated Christian and was devoted to sharing the love and joy of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a Church Deacon for many years at Indian Springs Baptist Church and Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, sang in quartets and the choir, and taught Sunday School for many years. He didn’t only speak the Word…he lived and shared it with everyone he met through his actions. Ron impacted many lives through who he was and his walk with Jesus. He had a loving and generous heart and was always giving of himself to others. We rest easier knowing he went to be with our Savior on Easter Sunday!

He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his devoted and loving wife of 48 years, Peggy; beloved dog Molly; sons Dean (Anne) – Knoxville TN, Troy (Beth) – Little River SC and Andy – Murrells Inlet SC; sister Sandra (Neil) – Nashville TN; adoring grandchildren who knew him as the best PaPa in the world Lauren, Emma, Addison and Carson; sister-in-law Mary Sue – Rolesville, NC; brother-in-law Ted (Jean) – N. Myrtle Beach SC; countless nieces, nephews and very close family members.

Services will be held Thursday morning, April 20th at 11:00 am at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, North Myrtle Beach, SC at 410 6th Avenue South. Friends and relatives are invited and may stay for a gathering afterward in the fellowship hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church Choir, 410 6th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.