Ronald Edgar Leonard

Ronald Edgar Leonard, 81, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully at Lewis Gale Medical Center in the early morning hours of September 8, 2024.

He was born on June 5, 1943 to the late Hollie Edgar Leonard and Katherine Dowdy Leonard. Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Leonard. He is survived by a daughter, Julia Tohme' (Henri); a son, Charles Leonard (Paula); four grandchildren, Mia and Pierson Tohme' and Taylor (Beth) Leonard and Mackenzie Leonard; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Dutton Leonard.

A native of the Roanoke Valley, Ron graduated from Jefferson High School, Class of 1961, and attended National Business College. After college, he joined the United States Air Force; October '62-October '66 serving at Andrews Airforce Base, Maryland as a Personnel Specialist before starting a family and moving back to the Roanoke Valley to settle in Salem.

Ron retired after thirty-three years of service from Norfolk Southern. He held many supervisory positions over his career, finishing as an Assistant Accounts Payable Manager; supervising a staff of fifty and disbursing annually two billion for a Fortune 100 Company.

An avid golfer, he enjoyed his retirement coordinating golfing destinations with friends. He also loved the beach and watching sunsets.

The family will hold visitation from 1:00pm until 2:00pm on Friday, September 13th at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem with services to follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Chris Kingery officiating. Graveside services to follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or New Covenant Christian Church, 4807 Cove Rd., Roanoke, VA 24017.