Charles Taylor Leonard, Sr.

Charles Taylor Leonard, Sr., 83, of the Lake James Community unexpectedly went to be reunited with his family on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.  Born in Burke County, NC on August 10, 1933, he was the son of the late Ben Marcus Leonard and Alma Moore Leonard.  Charles was a member of Snow Hill United Methodist Church.  He owned and operated Benfield Boat Landing and Lake James Campground.  He loved to hunt, fish, and work from dawn til dusk.

Mr. Leonard is survived by his sons, Charles “Chuck” Leonard, Jr. and his girlfriend, Linda Lake, of Nebo, NC and Mark Leonard and his wife, Joy, of Lyman, SC; grandchildren, Amber Hennessee, Alicia Lane, Chase Leonard, Hannah Leonard, Seth Leonard, and Jesse Leonard; great-grandchildren, Preston Lane, Parker Hennessee, and Paige Hennessee; a brother, Roy Leonard and his wife, Mavis, of Glen Alpine, NC; sister, Mable Walker of Morganton, NC, Mary Simpson of Lake James, and Betty Lyle of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; a half-sister, Diane Wiberg of Ocean Isle Beach; a step-sister, Rachel Watkins of Santa Maria, CA; a half-brother, Benny Leonard and his wife, Karen, of Mooresville, NC; a sister-in-law, Lillian Leonard of Morganton; and his canine companion, Jake.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Frances Benfield Leonard; his step-mother, Eula Franklin Leonard; a brother, Jack Leonard; step-brothers, Bobby Ray Franklin and Jim Franklin; step-sister, Evelyn Yohn; and a half-sister, Mindora Lutz.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 12 pm, Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Snow Hill United Methodist Church.  The funeral will be held at 12 pm at the church with the Rev. Richard Magnuson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 5425 Snow Hill Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.