Leonard Wright Gossett Sr.

Leonard Wright Gossett Sr., 89, of Athens went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. Leonard was born Sept. 29, 1921, in Birmingham to Frank and Minnie Gossett. He was the youngest of five children, four of whom preceded him in death, including Agnes Vassar of Greenville, Miss., Ellis Gossett of Athens, Edna Merritt of Graysville and Rebecca Bonnichsen of Pensacola, Fla.

Leonard attended and graduated from Athens High School before enlisting in the Army. He served in World War II in the 20th Armored Division. He also served in the Korean War in the 1343rd Combat Engineering Battalion. After his tours of duty to his country, he served actively in the Alabama National Guard, achieving the rank of W4 Chief Warrant Officer.

Leonard was a student at Athens College, now Athens State College, and completed his bachelor of science degree. He was employed by Monsanto, formerly Chemstrand, in Decatur, as a mechanical engineer for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Smith Gossett, who he married 65 years ago on Sept. 1, 1946. He is also survived by four children, Priscilla Carroll and husband Archie of Athens, Ga., Leonard W. Gossett Jr. and wife Lyn, Alice King and husband John, and Frank Gossett and wife Fran, all of Athens, Ala. Leonard is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Leonard and his family were nurtured in the Christian faith as members of the First Presbyterian Church in Athens, over many wonderful years of service and involvement. Leonard served in many capacities of leadership as a deacon and elder.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at McConnell Funeral Home in Athens.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held for Leonard at the First Presbyterian Church in Athens at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Visitation will also be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with McConnell’s in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Athens for youth camping ministries. Leonard was active in the development of properties to be used in the service of youth camping that encouraged their faith in God.