Willie Clarence Leonard

As their second-born son, he was a natural leader who was extremely intelligent, tenacious, strong yet complex, devoted and very determined, exhibiting confidence in his ability to accomplish whatever he aspired to do.

After leaving Massachusetts, Katie later met and married Mr. Sterling Leonard, who adopted and raised Will as his son and moved them to Fort Worth, Texas. He attended public school excelling in his studies and graduated from the historic I.M. Terrell High School in 1968. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1970 and was honorably discharged in September 1975, attaining the rank of Sergeant (SGT).

While working for Carter & Burgess, Inc., Will’s entrepreneurial skills came to life when Leonard Technical Services, a civil engineering company was born, and later Leonard Technical Design, Inc., where he served as President for 39 years. With his thirst for knowledge unfulfilled, Will continued his education receiving his BBA degree in Project Management with an emphasis in Civil and Irrigation Design from Amberton University in 2016. The ultimate educator and motivator, he later taught Computer-Aided Design at Tarrant County College imparting his years of knowledge in the minds of his students helping them maximize their potential.

Will was involved in numerous professional organizations devoting his time and talent garnering great success, titles and awards. The consummate jazz aficionado, he had an extensive collection and loved Najee, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Norman Brown and George Benson amongst many other smooth jazz artists. He spent his last hours listening to some of his favorites by Al Jarreau, Kenny G, Michael McDonald, and Earth, Wind and Fire sharing his love of music with all.

He was very family oriented and enjoyed spending quality time with his loved ones, but his favorite past time was being “Poppi” to his grandsons.

Will was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Mary and Beverly. He lived a remarkably wonderful life for 72 years, 3 months and 25 days and left a legacy of love, honor and devotion to numerous family and friends.

The sun set in the evening on the natural life of Will Monday, June 13, 2022. Those left to cherish his memory are his love, Jacque, daughters Michaune (Keith) Malone, Stacey (Adrian) Leonard-Barry, grandsons Kendall Malone and Trenton (TJ) Smith, siblings Eula (John L) Hickman, Simmie (Jean) Lowery, Jeanette Jones, Theresa Akins and Denise (Douglas) Chadwick, his nephew-son Anthony Ford, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.