Leonard Eugene Valentine, Sr.

Obituary For Leonard Eugene Valentine, Sr.

Leonard Eugene Valentine, Sr.

Leonard Eugene Valentine, Sr. (Val) passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at the age of 93. His
gentle departure matched the grace and dignity with which he lived his entire life.

Born December 4, 1931 in Bethpage, TN, to Price and Eliza Valentine, Leonard was raised in the
close-knit Gravel Hill community along with his seven siblings. The Valentine family was an integral part
of the Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church congregation and community, where they established deep roots and lasting relationships.

After graduating from high school and spending some time at Tennessee State University, Leonard
answered the call to serve his country, embarking on a distinguished career in the United States Air Force.
His military service included the Korean War, and his duties took him and his family to various stations
including Massachusetts, Japan, New Jersey, the Philippines, and Maine. Following his military service,
Leonard, along with his wife Peggy, and their three children, made their home in Knoxville, Tennessee,
where they became devoted members of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church.

Leonard was a natural storyteller who delighted in sharing memories of his youth, particularly his
experiences milking cows before school and farm life with his siblings. His face would light up when
recounting these tales, which also included a harrowing flight across Japan for a baseball game. He found great pleasure in sports, crossword puzzles, and the roast beef at Cracker Barrel.

His unwavering dedication to family and friends was evident in everything he did. For 56 beautiful years,
he shared his life with his beloved wife, Willie Beatrice (Peggy) Valentine, until her passing. He was also preceded in death by his cherished son, Anthony M. Valentine, his parents, and siblings Willie Mae,
Beulah, Myrtle, Bettye, Tabitha, Sallye, and John.

Leonard is survived by his loving sister, Dorothy Black of Gallatin, TN; his daughter, Michelle V. Fears
of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and his son, Leonard E. Valentine, Jr. (Tamara) of Columbus, Ohio. His
legacy continues through his eleven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, each of whom held a
special place in his heart.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Ave.,
Knoxville, TN 37915. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Burial with military honors will follow at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View
Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.

The family requests that donations be made to Operation Homefront https://operationhomefront.org/ in
Leonard’s memory.

Leonard’s 93 years were filled with love, service, and dedication to family, country, and faith. His warm
smile, hugs, storytelling, and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Unity Mortuary
is honored to serve this family. www.unitymortuary1979.com

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