Mr. James Charles Leonard, Sr.Mr. James Charles Leonard, Sr., better known as “Papa Charles”, age 88 of Brilliant, departed this life to reside with his Heavenly family on December 8, 2017. He was born in Irondale, AL to Alphonso Paul and Lillian Herron Leonard on June 30, 1929. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alphonso Paul, Jr.  “A.P.” Leonard, Herbert Edward Leonard and a son Reggie Stanford.

Charles served in the US Navy from June 1948 until January 1950 on the USS Tucker where he received the China Service Medal. He then enlisted in the Naval Reserve until January 1954. Following his discharge from the Navy, he was employed as a diesel mechanic in Odessa and Lamesa, TX until 2006, when he then returned to reside in Brilliant. Charles was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge for 67 years. 

Mr. Leonard is survived by sons, J. C. Leonard, Jr. (Merryjo), Ben William Leonard(Audra) and daughters, Belinda Jo Doyle(Rick), Radonda Smith, Kim Clements(Steve) and Tammy Seely(Brett), 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, one brother, Jack Leonard(Pauline), sister in law, Rosie Leonard and a daughter in law, Mary Rachel Stanford, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Charles is also survived by his wife Margaret and their extended family, whom he loved as his own.

Funeral services he be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Brilliant Memorial Gardens, military honors will be presented at the graveside. Bro. Bryan Spiller and Rick Doyle will be the officiating ministers.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. (service time) at the funeral home. Dale Prescott, Ricky Prescott, Tommy Green, Jody Green, Danny Green, Greg Bourland, David “Red” Mayfield, and Jeff Lindley will serve as pallbearers.   

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Alabama, 1315 US Hwy 43 Winfield, AL 35594.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield serving the Leonard family.