Carrian “Cal” Leonard was born so very special to us on October 29, 1954, but he was even more special to God, who called him home on July 13, 2012.
Carrian, popularly known as “Cal”, graduated from Ruth Carter High School in Talbotton, GA in 1972. Shortly after graduation Cal was employed by CSX Transportation and remained so for 33 years of service.
An avid sports enthusiast, he participated in basketball while in high school and was an outstanding leader on his team. He also enjoyed following college and professional sports as well. All who knew him knew his most outstanding entertainment came from his hobby of playing poker and various other card games with his friends.
Cal was devoted to his family, and loved dancing and music (especially Michael Jackson). His family and friends knew him to be the life of any gathering. He was a “people” person with a very generous heart, who never met a stranger. He was loved by his family, close friends, and his CSX c-workers. He will forever be missed.
At an early age, Cal joined Friendship Baptist Church in Woodland, GA. He later moved his membership to St. Paul CME Church to serve God with his family. In April 2012 he re-dedicated his life to Christ at Grace Non-Denominational Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Cal was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Chaka Nache Leonard, his maternal grandparents, Henry and Maggie Leonard, and a close Uncle William Henry Leonard, Jr.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 34 years Lucille Leonard; 4 children, Desman (Vonetta) Holt of Huntsville, AL; Tavares (Andree) Holt of Sandy Springs, GA; Miya Leonard of Newnan, GA; and Yasmine “Baby Girl” Leonard of Manchester, GA; his dear and loving mother Sarah Rogers of Loraine, OH, and father Lomie Copeland (Lurlene) of Detroit, MI; 4 grand kids, Marcus, Skye, Desiree, and Caleb; 4 brothers, Wardell (Rosalind) Rogers of Akron, OH; Chris Rogers of Lorain, Oh; Mike Copeland and Darron Copeland of Detroit, MI; 3 sisters, Carolyn (Todd) Lash of Lorain, OH; Connie Rogers of Lorain, OH and Bridget Copeland of Detroit, MI. Cal had a very special relationship with his aunts, uncles and cousins who were raised as siblings: Norris (Mary) Leonard of Decatur, GA; Wardell (Lynne) Leonard of Fayetteville, GA; Leroy (Mary) Leonard of Decatur, GA; Roberta Leonard of Atlanta, GA; Johnnie Mae (Jimmy) Hardnett of Woodland, GA; Cousins, Willie James (Mae) Leonard of Detroit, MI and Quentin (Zina) Leonard of Stockbridge, GA; 2 sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Jerry) Copeland of Decatur, GA and Shirley (Melvin) Harris of Riverdale, GA; 2 brothers-in-law, Clyde Ingram of Warm Springs, GA and Jessie (Crystal) Ingram of Los Angeles, CA; a very special God-daughter, Whitney Parks of Manchester, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.