Estol Fletcher “Sonny” Leonard, Jr., 77, of Forest passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in Gladys, July 19, 1943, he was the son of the late Estol F. Leonard and Garnetta Keesee Leonard.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ethel L. Williams, Audrey L. Abbott and Christine L. Lacks and a special nephew, Ricky Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frances N. Leonard; his son Larry Leonard and his wife Tina of Bedford and his daughter, Kelly Leonard Ward and her husband Junior of Goode; three grandchildren, Jessica Ward Robinson and her husband Austin, Brianna Leonard and Lexi Leonard; two sisters, Estelle Leonard Brock of Forest and Betty Jean Hudson and her husband Harold of Forest; brother-in-law, Bill Lacks and a number of special nieces and nephews. Sonny never met a stranger and he is also survived by very close and special friends, too many to name.
Sonny proudly served his country in the US Army. He was the owner and operator of Sonny’s Automotive Racing. He founded the company in January, 1969. Sonny was known for designing and building race engines. He had customers all over the world and his engines have over 70 national world records and numerous championships in drag racing and truck pull events.
Sonny loved people. He cared for everyone and always looked for ways to help others.
A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and the Rev. Danny Smith officiating.
The service may be viewed live at https://watch.trbc.org/media/t/1_w904l7xp
Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park.
Friends my pay their respects and sign the register from 9 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, Thomas Road Baptist Church, 1 Mountain View Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502 www.trbc.org or to the Victory Junction, www.victoryjunction.org or to a charity of your choice.
