George William "Big Bill" Leonhardt

George William "Big Bill" Leonhardt, III, 52, of Morganton departed this life unexpectedly on Thursday, June 27, 2013. He was born on April 23, 1961 in Morganton to Clyde Julia Phillips Leonhardt and the late George William Leonhardt, Jr. Big Bill was a graduate of Freedom High School and went on to work with his father at Leonhardt Builder’s Supply. He was later employed by Heilig Meyers Furniture.George was known to many as "Big Bill," partly because of his 6’8" height and stature, but also because of his big personality. Big Bill, "Billy" to his family, lived life out-loud. He never met a stranger and considered the slightest acquaintance as a friend. He met and married his wife, Deborah, only 2 years ago and made a home with her and her two children, Darryl and Dykia, on North Street. Finding Deborah fulfilled his dream of becoming a husband and father, which was extremely important to him. He loved them so much. He was a loyal, dutiful, beautiful, caring soul, and he had given his life to God and his Savior, Jesus Christ.Big Bill is survived by his wife, Deborah Little Leonhardt of the home; two children, Darryl and Dykia Barnes of the home; siblings, Beth Harbison and her husband, Scott, Janice Armour and her husband, Buddy, and Frederic Kirk Leonhardt; two nieces, Emily and Meghan Armour; his mother-in-law, Mary Richardson of Wadesboro, NC; and a sister-in-law, Demetri Little of Wadesboro.In addition to his father, Mr. Leonhardt was preceded in death by his grandparents, George W. and Beulah Leonhardt and William and Julia Phillips; and a sister, Linda Leonhardt.The family requests that friends of Big Bill join them for a celebration of his life at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2013 at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Max Bristol officiating.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.