Life’s Reflections
Ronald Ray Leatherwood was born July 21st, 1950, to Cleo and Geraline Leatherwood. He returned to God’s loving arms on January 14th, 2024.
He confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age.
Ronald was a devoted family man. He enjoyed playing racquetball, fishing, and walking. He was an avid reader and had a special love for music. He was a member of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM). He was caring yet firm, loving yet disciplined. He spent years as the caregiver for his mother and wife, exhibiting his profound selflessness. He shared his wisdom and knowledge freely with his family.
Ronald began his professional career at FedEx. He started working in the Hub and worked his way up to being one of the few African-American Computer Analyst Managers. After 25 years of service, Ronald retired in 1999.
In 1978, Ronald married Josephine Leatherwood, and they were married for 45 years. Two daughters were born from this union, Brandi Nicole Taylor and Ashley Dionne Leatherwood.
Ronald is preceded in death by his father, mother, and youngest daughter, Ashley.
Ronald leaves to cherish his memories his wife and eldest daughter Brandi; two grandchildren, Makayla and Mya Taylor; one aunt, Beatrice Clark; five brothers, Michael Leatherwood, Calvin Leatherwood, Gerald Leatherwood, Cleophus Leatherwood, and Charles Leatherwood, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
To The Love of My Life...
The happiest day of my life was when you asked me to become your wife. I thank you for loving me for 45 years, for staying with me, and for our family. You were the kind of man that I prayed for during my teenage years and I thank God for you. You were there to help raise our daughters and they came to love you as much as I did. They saw the strong loving man in you too. Thank you for seeing the good in me and not just being my husband but for being my friend and best supporter. Although it’s hard to see you go, I have the peace of God on me knowing that you are in the arms of Jesus and with our daughter, Ashley. I can just hear her saying, “Hey Daddy!” I miss you so much and will always love you. I’m looking forward to seeing and being with you again. You are and always will be the love of my life.
Love, Your Wife Josie
Dear Daddy,
It’s so hard to write something so short to encompass all the love you have given me throughout my life. I am truly a daddy’s girl at heart, so this is not easy for me to write. It has been a hard couple of years for our family. Despite the hardships, your love remained constant. I am so grateful that I have so many cherished memories to hold on to. From you taking me fishing for the first time, our trips to the library on Sundays, you teaching me how to make French toast and even taking me to a haunted house that I was too scared to go inside of. Instead of fussing at me for not going in, you just found an exit even if that meant asking the fake zombies for directions. And that’s how you always were. You never pressured me to do anything I didn’t want to. Mostly because I’m just as stubborn as you. You always encouraged me to keep going even when I felt like I couldn’t. You were my biggest supporter. You always knew when I was down without me saying a word. You always saw the best parts of me, and you held a mirror so I could see them too.
These last six years, our bond grew even closer. You really saw me for who I am. And I saw you for the whole individual you were. You weren’t just my father. I saw you be a caregiver, a brother, and a confidant. You always thought of others, and you always put your family first. Even in your last days, your concern was your family. I am so honored I was able to care for you in your last moments as you have cared for others your entire life. I promise to remember your words of wisdom and life lessons. I’ll miss our private talks, our weekly drives, our crazy stories and the many laughs we shared. But most of all, I’ll miss you. I know you and Ashley are up in heaven having a ball. It gives me strength knowing you are finally at peace with God. No more pain and suffering. I promise to continue your legacy through my work, my life and my children. Until
Love Always, Brandi
When Much is Given
(Tribute to the Man of God)
Entrusted with courage
You were the armor bearer for your family, protecting loved ones from attack
A living shield from harm’s way
Challenge by challenge you faced with the character that boldness demands
Entrusted with Righteousness
You stood still between right and wrong unmovable even when it required you to stand alone
Like a lighthouse facing the crashing seas, you waivered not
The mighty oak rooted in purpose
Entrusted with Caring
You accepted the mantle of service
You became the windbreaker for life transitions through sickness, illness and the loved ones glory called
A loving and compassionate caregiver with a Lion’s heart
Never a task or duty shirked regardless the price
Entrusted with Family
You loved them more than you loved yourself
You epitomized that life’s value is not based on breaths you take
Instead the numbers of moments that take your breath away
You were your brother’s keeper, confidant, friend and we were honored to call you so
When much is given, much is required
Well done, thou Good and Faithful Servant
Enter to receive your reward
Be at rest, your assignment is complete
Sleep......Enjoy the peace of God
