Leonard Mervyn Held

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the spry age of 103 years, 9 months and

17 days. He was rarely ill and lived in good health and good times

almost to the very end. He and his beloved wife “Cissy”, who passed

in February 2022, were married in August 1948 and were

passionately in love for 73 years. They lived their entire life together

in Birmingham, travelled the world, reveled in the presence of their

family and friends, and were the life of all celebrations. Leonard is

survived by his four children as well their families, his brother, eight

grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He loved his family

without reservation and set an example of how to build enduring

friendships and live with the highest level of integrity. He loved a

good time and taught his family to live well, cherish each other,

celebrate the milestones and hold on tight through the tough times.

Leonard was born September 8, 1922, in Talladega, Alabama to

Harry “Happy” and Elizabeth Held. He attended the University of

Alabama, and he immediately joined the army upon graduation and

served honorably until his release a few months after the end of

WWII. It was just a little over a year after his release that he met

Cissy and began their courtship.

Leonard was preceded in death by his brother, Sidney Held, Sidney’s

wife Jean, his sister-in-law Evelyn Held, his brother-in-law Jack

Segal, Jack’s wife Babs, his sister-in-law, Eleanor Segal, and his son-in-law, Leslie Allen.

More than anything, Leonard treasured his children, Jerry Held

(Ginger), Karen Allen (Leslie), Julie Gilbert (John) and Randy Held

(Barbra). He was affectionately known as “Papa” to grandchildren

Brian Held (Katie), Jill Graham (Roger), Elisa Nelson (Aaron), Eve

Wexler, (Shimshon), Je^rey Gilbert (Marci), Layne Held (Amanda)

Amy Cohen (Jacob), and Jolie Held. He is also survived by his great

grandchildren, Reed, Morgan and Alexa Nelson; Logan, Graham and

Hallie Gilbert; Charlie, Benji and Sammy Wexler; Duke, Cooper and

Grayson Cohen; Jace and Izzy Held; and Henry Held. His greatest

joy was being with his family creating memories whether it was

small family gatherings, annual family beach vacations or large

celebrations.

Besides their family, the greatest testament to Leonard and Cissy’s

legacy is the close friendships they enjoyed throughout their lives.

Their social calendar was always full, and their house was always

buzzing with friends enjoying a good time.

Leonard had a successful career, first as a partner in C & H

Company (Conner and Held), a chain of retail clothing stores

throughout smaller towns in Alabama, then as the owner of Valley

Furniture Rental, the first furniture rental store in Birmingham. In

addition, he was a real estate investor and owned shares in hotels,

motels, o^ice spaces and other ventures. Later in life he became a

real estate agent and broker.

Leonard was an alumnus of the University of Alabama and a lifelong

fan of the Crimson Tide throughout his life, sharing memories

and accompanying his children to Legion Field and Bryant-Denny

stadium for many years. He hosted many gatherings for Iron Bowls,

New Years Bowls and CFB playoff games. He was also an avid golfer,

and he was a charter member of Pine Tree Country Club and

enjoyed nothing more than playing golf with his friends and loved

ones. For many years he loved his card games at the club, as well.

He was a true southern gentleman, who always displayed

impeccable manners and integrity and never slighted anybody

regardless of their lot in life. Leonard was famously known for

befriending strangers in restaurants, staff that waited on him in

stores, and if there was a friend to be made, he made one.

Leonard and his family were beyond grateful for the gentle, kind and

amazing care that his primary care giver, Harriet Pullom, has given to

him all these years.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family Monday

morning followed by a Celebration of Life at Temple Emanu-El, 2100

Highland Avenue South. Those who are unable to attend are invited

to view the service live through the Temple Emanu-El Webcast.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Cissy and Leonard

Held Fund at the Grafman Endowment Fund of Temple Emanu-El, or

to any other charity of choice.

You can honor Leonard’s legacy by enjoying life to the fullest, living

with integrity and remembering, “As you wonder on through life my

friend, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and

not upon the hole.”