Leonard Augustus Burrey

Born on March 7, 1950, in Kingston, Jamaica, Leonard was the son of the late Emmanuel Burry and Mavis Morgan. One of twelve siblings, Leonard grew up in hardship where education and perseverance were cornerstones of his daily life. From a young age, he was intellectually curious and deeply introspective, traits that defined his journey across countries and careers.

Leonard immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in 1978, initially settling in Philadelphia and Connecticut. He worked tirelessly while pursuing his education, taking on jobs that ranged from gas station attendant to bank teller—all to build a new life for his family.

Leonard graduated from Kingston Technical High School and later attended the College of Arts, Science, and Technology (CAST), now known as the University of Technology in the parish of St. Andrew, Jamaica. In the U.S., he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in African American Studies from San Francisco State University in 1987, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Sacramento State University in 2002. Leonard was a passionate lifelong learner who saw education as the most powerful tool for transformation.

Leonard proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in the 1980s and retiring honorably after 20 years of service with the rank of First Sergeant (E-8). He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas; Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia; the Presidio of San Francisco; and Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Leonard’s primary duty station was the Presidio of San Francisco, where he served as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) at Letterman Army Medical Center, providing rehabilitative care to fellow service members. He later completed Army Medic training as part of the Special Forces. Leonard went on to serve with distinction in the 82nd Airborne Division and the elite Green Berets at Fort Bragg—roles that reflected his courage, discipline, and commitment to specialized military operations.

During his military reserve time, Leonard also served as a Company Leader at the San Francisco National Guard Armory, further exemplifying his leadership and commitment to service before retirement.

Following his military career, Leonard continued caring for others as a Registered Nurse at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California, and later at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo and Vacaville, California. He served in the nursing profession for over two decades, retiring officially in 2017.

A true polymath and a man of many talents, Leonard assumed a multitude of roles throughout his life. He enjoyed playing the guitar and keyboard, sang Reggae music with joy, restored cars, and inspired those around him with his quiet wisdom and thoughtful conversations.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Lisa (née Gibb) Burrey of San Antonio, Texas. His legacy lives on through his four children from a previous union to Florett (née Watson) Burrey: Cherone Burrey-Cabezudo (Neftali) of Elk Grove, California; Leighton Burrey (Lori) of Orinda, California; Allison Burrey of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and LeRyan Burrey of Sacramento, California.

Leonard was a proud grandfather to Albert (A.C.) Ellis III, Tyler Jenkins, Cristian Jean-Laurent, Kennedy Burrey, and Kaiden Burrey. He now rests alongside his beloved grandson, Thomas (T.J.) Jenkins IV, who preceded him in death in 2004.

Leonard is also lovingly remembered by his sisters: Sonia Burry, Delores Burry, Lilleth Burry-Fisher, Melrose Burry, Patsy Burrell, and Monica Morgan Mustafa; and by his brothers: Gilford “Churchill” Burry (and wife Janet), Errol Burry, and Donald Burry. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Sylvester and the twins Rupert and Robert Burry.

Leonard is also survived by his cherished cousin, Lurline McDonald of Brooklyn, New York, who was like a sister and a lifelong source of encouragement, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will continue to honor his memory.

Leonard Augustus Burrey touched many lives with his presence and will be deeply missed by those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the importance of lifelong learning that he instilled in his family, the service he gave to his country, and the wisdom he shared with all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A committal service with full military honors will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 1pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. All who knew and loved Leonard are welcome to attend.

At the request of Leonard’s children, a private family remembrance will also be held in Kingston, Jamaica, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Leonard’s memory to the University of the West Indies (https://www.uwi.edu/giving/), in honor of his Jamaican roots and lifelong commitment to education.