Obituary of Reginald Leonard

Reginald M. Leonard, age 92, of Satellite Beach passed peacefully in his sleep and went to be with the Lord on April 29, 2011. He will be deeply missed by all who loved his generous, kind spirit and loving sense of humor. He loved life and embraced all the good the world had to offer. Reg was a devoted and beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Married to Olive for 63 years, they shared a passion for travel, nature, and community service. Reg particularly loved living in Satellite Beach, where he served as Councilman from 1958-1972 and as Mayor from 1973-75. He also served on the city's zoning board and recreation board where he was instrumental in the development of Samson Island Park as a recreational facility. The Satellite Beach Civic Center is named in his honor for his years of community service and devotion to the youth in Satellite Beach. Reg served his country honorably and patriotically in WWII and during the Korean War. He retired from the Army with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He continued serving his country through his civil service work with the U.S. Military. He was an aerospace engineer, and was a distinguished and proud employee of the 6555th Aerospace Test Group. Reg was in charge of the military and communication payloads for the Titan Missile program. He was recognized by receiving the 13th Space Congress Achievement Award for outstanding service and achievement to the United States Space Program. He also received a Presidential Medal of Honor for his service to his country. Following retirement, Reg enjoyed all different types of community service. He enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to shut-ins for 20 years. He added his personal touch by delivering roses that he grew from his garden. Reg was also very active in the Satellite Beach United Methodist Church where he was an original founder. Reg's commitment to helping others, even complete strangers, was based on a simple faith that God is good, and people are too. He touched many lives. Reg is survived by his loving wife Olive, Daughters Sue Wicker and Gail McCoy, Son Gary Leonard, Son-in-Law Spike Wicker, Son-in-Law Jack McCoy, Daughter-in-Law Sharon Leonard, Grandkids Jamie Sauer, Jenny Wicker, Michelle Ruff, Kelly Wicker, Shannon McCoy, Robert McCoy, Michael McCoy, Cole Leonard, Austin Leonard, Brent Leonard, Lindsey Leonard, Eric Sauer, Mark Ruff, and Great Granddaughter Madelyn Ruff. A gathering will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2011 at Beach Funeral Home in Indian Harbour Beach. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Satellite Beach United Methodist Church with Military Honors provided by the Army. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Church Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family ask that contributions be made to Samaritians Fund of Satellite Beach United Methodist Church, Satellite Beach Recreation Department, South Brevard Sharing Center or Heifer International.