David Wayne

Leonard

David Wayne Leonard, 81, of China Grove passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, while at Carolina Continued Care in Pineville, after a period of declining health.

Funeral services to celebrate David's life will be held at North Kannapolis Wesleyan Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 13 with Rev. Trent Patterson and Rev. Joy Garman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church the hour before the funeral. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

David was born in Cabarrus Co., NC on December 18, 1944. He was the youngest and last surviving of six children born to the late Melvin Glenn Leonard and Hazel Blevins Leonard. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen L. Williams, Mary L. Watson, and Yvonne L. Hinson, and his brothers, Joe G. Leonard and Kenneth M. Leonard.

David was a lifelong area resident and longtime member of North Kannapolis Wesleyan Church. He worked for Cannon Mills for many years, in the Plant #1 weave room as a Loom Fixer. He enjoyed being with family, playing cards and board games, listening to Elvis, and sharing the love of his John Deere with family as they mowed or spent time riding around the yard.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years this month, Linda Johnson Leonard; his four daughters, Wanette L. Patterson (Trent), Diane L. Noblitt (Larry), Teena Sears (Eddie #1), and Cathy L. Arnette (Eddie #2), all of China Grove. He also has 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

David was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.