Mr. Leonard Billy Gene Channell, age 86, of Winfield passed away at his residence on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Born on February 20, 1939 in Lamar County, Leonard was the son of James Crave and Mary Magdalene Cotton Channell. A member of East Winfield Church of Christ, Leonard’s early years were spent working alongside his siblings in the fields to help his parents. After marrying, he and his wife relocated to Illinois for work and there they began their family with his 2 oldest sons being born there. Upon returning to Alabama, Leonard built his career initially working at Continental Conveyor, before joining 3M Manufacturing. Over 28 years at 3M, Leonard also worked part time as a gravel truck driver with the county. Leonard also enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and tinkering with tractors. Above all, Leonard loved his family, he took pride in his children’s accomplishments, and always valued time spent with them.

Mr. Channell is survived by his 3 sons, Billy Channell, Roger Channell (Joann), and Frankie Channell (Amanda), his daughter, Norma Hill (Tim), his sister, Fran Burks, 9 grandchildren, 11great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Channell was preceded in death by his grandson Bryan Allan Garza, great grandson, Stephen Andreu Ray, brothers, Lonnie, Hubert, and James Channell, and sisters, Flora Randolph and Rachel Norris.

Funeral services for Mr. Channell will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the West Alabama Memorial Gardens. Mr. Channell will lie in state on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. service time. The visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield serving the Channell family.