Billy Leonard

Graveside services for Billy Jack Leonard, 88 of Joshua will be conducted at 3:00P.M., Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in the Rosehill Cemetery. The Reverend Charles E. Payne, The Reverend Dan Burt and Pastor Johnny Love will officiate. Visitations will be from 6-8 P.M., Monday and from 1-2:30 P.M., Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons Kyle Nabors, Keith Nabors, Jeff Nabors, John Gray, Jeremy Gray, Matt Gilbert, Shaun Gray and Chase Gray. Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Williams, Hunter Nabors, Kyler Gilbert, Hunter Gray, Stephen Hoodie, Jr., Cody Faught, Devon Williams and Jordan Williams.

Billy Jack Leonard passed away Saturday, April 11, 2009 in Cleburne. He was born May 11, 1920 in Bosque County, the eldest son of Walter and Ruth Gilbreath Leonard.

Mr. Leonard owned Leonard's Flowers since 1952. He was an Army veteran of World War II in the South Pacific, receiving the Purple Heart. He served the City of Cleburne as a City Council member in the 1950's and also served on the Civil Service Board for the city. He served as a member of the Military Selective Service Board. In 2002 he received his 50 year pin from the Cleburne Masonic Lodge #315. He also was a member of the Dallas and the Fort Worth Scottish Rite, the Moslah Shrine Temple, the Cleburne Elks Lodge and First Baptist Church.

On December 3, 1938 he married Willie Cowan who preceded him in death on February 15, 1969. On February 11, 1972, he married Gladys Gray, who survives him.

Mr. Leonard started his florist career with Mr. and Mrs. John Joiner and in 1952 purchased the Blossom Shop from Stella Mae Barr. In 1968 he and his wife, Willie moved their flower shop to the current location and changed the name to Leonard's Flowers.

Bill was a very humble person and a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed.

He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, crossword puzzles, reading and watching any type of sports, especially football and was an avid University of Texas fan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgeview Rehabilitation, Alpha Omega Hospice and special family friend Rick Wright for the love and care given to Bill.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie, his parents, two sisters, Pauline Webb and Alene Burns and one brother, Cliff Leonard.

Survivors include his wife Gladys of Joshua; daughter Rosanne and husband J. B. Nabors of Cleburne; daughter, Cindy and husband Cary Ernest of Granbury; sons, Dennis Gray of Austin and Philip Gray of Joshua; brothers, Joe and wife Jeanne Leonard of Liberty and Claude and wife Billie Leonard of Arlington; grandsons, Kyle Nabors, Keith Nabors, Jeff Nabors, John Gray, Jeremy Gray, Matt Gilbert, Shaun Gray, and Chase Gray; granddaughters, Blake Gray and Sherri Williams; 12 great grandchildren; two great-great grandsons and nieces and nephews.

Visitation

Crosier-Pearson Cleburne
Prior to service
512 North Ridgeway Dr.
Cleburne, TX 76033
Tuesday
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Map to Visitation Location

Crosier-Pearson Cleburne
512 North Ridgeway Dr.
Cleburne, TX 76033
Monday
6-8 p.m.
Map to Visitation Location

Service

At the Graveside
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
3:00 p.m.

Interment

Rosehill Cemetery
FM 4 and FM 3136
cleburne , tx 76031
Map to Interment Location