A. Leon Pickard

Leon was born in Meridian Mississippi and grew up in Forest Mississippi. He had one brother, Carl Odell Pickard. Together they joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served in World War II in the South Pacific. Upon discharge Leon enrolled in college to pursue a business degree. While in school he played on the football team as the starting center. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He took a part tie job at a local clothing store in Hattiesburg. While employed there he acquired a keen appreciation for fine clothes. He was voted best dressed on the campus at the University of Southern Mississippi. Leon graduated with a bachelor’s degree in just three years. He married Peggy Rogers of Baton Rouge who was Miss University of Southern Mississippi, now deceased.

Upon graduation he was offered a job with GMAC for whom he worked from 1950-1959. During his last year with General Motors he was offered an opportunity to buy a partnership in a Chevrolet dealership. This became Stewart-Pickard Motor Company. Within two years he bought his partner out and dropped Stewart from the name. He built a new building in Magnolia Mississippi and grew the business over the next eight years.

In 1969, Leon’s ambition and desire for new challenges led him to purchase another Chevrolet dealership located in Denham Springs. At the suggestion of General Motors, Leon Pickard Chevrolet was moved to Baton Rouge to better serve the eastern-most portions of Baton Rouge as well as Livingston Parish. Under Leon’s design and direction along with the tasteful guidance of his wife Joan, the state of the art facility bearing his name opened in 1978. It was a shining example of beauty and technology. With highly automated and advanced parts and service departments and a luxurious showroom featuring a forty foot chandelier and revolving floor it was truly unique.

He is survived by his five children, son Lee Pickard and wife Marilyn, of Baton Rouge. Daughters Patti Cousino of Denham Springs and Polly Pickard of Shreveport. Sons Bill Pickard of Brandon Mississippi and Porter Pickard of New York. He also has two step children, Todd Easley and wife Judy of McComb and Melissa Dill of Baton Rouge. He will be greatly missed by all including his 8 grandchildren and his 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Green Oaks Memorial Park on Monday August 20 from noon until funeral services at 2 o’clock.

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