Leon was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on November 18, 1938, to the late Franklin Burrell Newman and Laura Newman Stevenson. He attended Daniel High School, graduating a year early before matriculating to Clemson College, where he earned a Civil Engineering degree and competed in track and field. As a cornerstone member of the “Tig Thinclads,” Leon held the South Carolina record in the mile for a number of years.
After graduation, Leon followed in his father’s footsteps into aviation. He joined the United States Air Force, flying in excess of 400 sorties during his two tours in the skies of Vietnam. The pinnacle of his Air Force career came as Captain of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, his hands literally guiding the tip of the spear of America’s nuclear arsenal during the height of the Cold War. After his military tenure, Leon went into commercial aviation, racking up tens of thousands of hours of time while safely “flying the line” for over three decades, ultimately retiring as a Senior Check Airman on the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 for Northwest Airlines.
Leon had an open and generous heart and was a friend to many. When not plying the skies, and well into retirement, one of his favorite daily rituals was breakfast at The Village Inn and the comradery and lifelong friendships of the “Table of Knowledge.”
Having traveled the world over, Leon’s favorite place was Pickens. He was most content outside working on his farm, running cattle, mending fences, bailing hay, planting trees and flowers, driving his old, run down trucks and tractors, or cutting a load of firewood. His love of this place continued as later in life he transferred hundreds of acres of property into conservation easements here in northern Pickens County, a legacy that will continue for all, forever.
Leon is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Linda Gravely Newman; five children: Boyd Newman (Nikki), Brownie Newman (Beth), Laura Prichard (Kevin), Allison Aiken (Tim), and Ansley Cudd (David); ten grandchildren: Lauren, Nathan, Sarah Beth, Beau, Allie, Jackson, Tess, Elliot, Katherine, and Robert; and five great grandchildren. Leon was predeceased by his younger brother, Quincy.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Teresa and Manna Rehab for their special care of Leon since he became sick.
Funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 PM, on Sunday August 17, 2025, in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.
The family will receive those in attendance following the service in the chapel.
A private entombment will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers are accepted or donation can be made to Natural and Trust to celebrate Leon’s love of place at the following website: https://www.naturalandtrust.org/
Additionally, donations may be made to support the local YMCA at pcymca.net
