Jeffrey Dean Leonard
1963 - 2026
Jeffrey “Jeff” Dean Leonard of Lexington, NC, finished his four-year battle with cancer on January 12, 2026, and is now at peace in his heavenly home.
Jeff lived a life marked by character, quiet strength, and deep integrity as modeled by his parents. He was a devoted husband of 38 years—steady, loyal, and loving. To his children and grandchildren, he was a constant source of guidance and encouragement, always present, always willing to listen, and always generous with his time and heart. The sun, moon, and stars in his sky were his girls and his grandchildren.
His faith showed in how he treated others and how he faced life’s challenges. Even during years of illness, he never let illness define him. Instead, he will be remembered for his perseverance, his hope, and the love he shared so freely with those around him.
Jeff was an honest and honorable man, a Renaissance man with many accomplishments, interests, and talents. He earned degrees and worked in the fields of Accounting, Computer Science, and Viticulture & Enology. Two degrees were earned while raising a family and working full-time. He had an enduring love and passion for music; he played the piano and hand bells, collected and loved music from many genres. Another passion was for his alma mater, NC State University football. He loved genealogy, the history of the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. He had an enthusiasm for Electric Football and darts and had many friends in various leagues. He loved working with his hands in woodworking, tending his grapes, and wine making. He and Dana loved to travel to small towns to spend time and increase his collection of pocket knives. He had a particular passion for “mom and pop” restaurants, especially if they served chicken livers and sweet tea. Other hobbies included kayaking, sailing, and golf.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Roby and Lib Leonard; his aunt and uncle, Bill and Shirley Waters of Raleigh, NC; and his cousin Tim Waters also of Raleigh, NC. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dana; his children, Rachel Mills and husband Garrett, their children JJ and Sage; Madelyn Cauthen and husband Ashton, their children Eliana and Adelie; Haylee Leonard and her partner Brick Wilkins; his brother, Randy Leonard and wife Janet; his cousin David Waters and wife Jean of Raleigh, NC; and many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory.
While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that he is now healed, whole, and resting in the presence of his Savior. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the faith he modeled so faithfully. We miss his love and friendship, his wonderful conversation, and his quick wit. He was a remarkable man. His passing leaves a great vacuum. May his memory be eternal both here and in heaven.
The service will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 4299 S. NC Highway 150, Lexington, NC, on February 8, 2026, beginning at 2:00pm. Visitation with the family will follow the service. He wished for his body to be cremated and his ashes to be deposited in various places that were very special to him.
In place of flowers, donations should be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or Cancer Services of Davidson County, 25 West 6th Avenue, Lexington, NC 27292.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
He was a fine man! He will be missed. Prayers to Dana and family
What a beautiful tribute to a great man. I admit knowing him better as a young teenager and he was always showed a quiet kindness. God bless him and his sweet family.
Jeff was a very special person (WDHS Class of 1981 classmate, former co-worker LSB and dear friend) not to mention just a great family man. We miss you dearly and cherish the times we all spent together at numerous State football and baseball games and other family events.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Dana, I am so sorry for your loss! This is a lovely tribute to your husband! Know that God’s plan are not always understood but always with a purpose and love. Prayers for you and all the family!
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.🙏❤️🙏
Randy I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Sending prayers to you and all the family.
Dana I am so sorry for your loss. We met you & Jeff briefly on vacation & and it was pleasure meeting you.
May Jeff’s soul Rest In Peace
Our deepest sympathies for Jeff’s family and friends.
Dana, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Such a beautiful tribute to him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dana, I don’t know if I have the proper words for you. You know my family has faced this kind of grief in the last few years as well. I hope you find comfort in your Faith in God,and know Jeff is at peace and pain free. I pray for you,the girls,and your entire family in this difficult time. I pray God gives you strength and much comfort.
Love and prayers to you my Alto Friend
Dana,
My 💕 and prayer’s are with your family. My deepest sympathy.
I just found out. I am so sorry to hear the news. The class of ’81 has lost a great one. I spent many days in band with him. We all had a great time. He will be missed. He was a great christian, I fell blessed for knowing him.
God Bless Dana and the Leonard Family as they move forward. Jeff was a special friend to many. Whoever met Jeff walked away learning something interesting through their contact with him as he was knowledgeable in a variety of hobbies and adventures. We all will miss Jeff deeply but are so thankful that we shared so many fun times together over the years. Jeff, we are sure you will find some NC State fans and a good bratwurst up in Heaven. Wishing you all the BEST!
Jerry and Darlene Bates
Sending you and the family our love and prayers. You are so very special to us, and feel your loss.
Sending you and the family our love and prayers. You are so very special to us, and feel your loss.