Claiborne Franklin "Skippy" Leonard, Sr.

Claiborne “Skippy” F. Leonard, Sr., 79, of Petersburg, VA, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Skippy was preceded in death by his parents, Claiborne and Helen Leonard, his twin brother, Bobby, and niece, Lori Leonard. He is survived by his wife, of 53 years, Faye Griffin Leonard; two sons, Clay (Cosette) and Jason (Suzy); five grandchildren, Savannah, MacKenzie, Maggie, Elizabeth, and Henry; one sister, Sandra Leonard Tipton (Bobby); nephews, Robbie Leonard (Amie) and Michael Evans; sister-in-law, Bonnie Griffin Pendergrass; brother-in-law, Woody Griffin (Susan); niece, Lindsay Hawkins (Adam); nephew, Justin Bulifant (Rachel). Skippy attended Petersburg High School, followed by a career in professional baseball with the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals organizations. He retired from Brown & Williamson Tobacco and The City of Petersburg. He was a longtime member of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Petersburg. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Skippy was his happiest when he was spending time with his beloved children and grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. Marks United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Marks United Methodist Church, 225 Claremont Street, Petersburg, VA 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .