Thomas Leopard

Waynesville, Thomas Wade "Tommy" Leopard, age 67, of Leopard Drive, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2013 at his residence after several years of declining health. Tommy was a native of Haywood County and had spent 7 years in Florida and Georgia working for Andrews Cattle Company and Peace Valley Ranch. He was the son of the late Lemuel Wilson and Cecile Wade Leopard of Waynesville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Frank and Alice Ashe Leopard of Waynesville with whom he spent many hours learning and working on their farm. He truly adored his Granny Leopard and spoke of her often. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Mildred Ragland Wade of Buckingham, VA. Tommy was a cattleman and farmer with a witty sense of humor who enjoyed working outdoors. He especially enjoyed his Brahman cattle and was a fan of livestock auctions and rodeos. He was an agitator of foolishness at the Pioneer Restaurant along with his pal Floyd Brooks. Tommy was a member of Ratcliffe Cove Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 45 years, Linda Davis Leopard; one son, Thomas "Rusty" Leopard, Jr. of Ft. Pierce, Florida; grandsons, Lemuel M. "Coy" Leopard, who lived with him for 7 years, of Canton and Jacob Leopard of Candler, NC; a sister, Mary Alice "Tilda" Patterson, of Sylva, NC; a cousin who lived with his parents for several years, Patricia Parrott of Atlanta, Georgia.; a special aunt, Nancy L. Finger whom he loved to tease of Maggie Valley; numerous cousins and friends; and his riding pal and pet Sid. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2013 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Jay T. Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Ratcliffe Cove Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Bob Pearl, Michael Messer, Baxter Taylor, McLain and Jimmy Rogers, Jerry Walker, David Farmer and Jimmy Smathers. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ratcliffe Cove Cemetery Fund, C/O Phyllis Ratcliffe, 75 Keller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements.

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