John Lee Leopard

John Lee Leopard, age 70, passed away while in Hospice Care on January 30, 2023. John was predeceased by his parents, Daniel Mark Leopard and Caroline Busbee Leopard; and his partner of many years, Tom Marze. He is survived by his brothers, Lewis B. Leopard (Kathleen), and David H. Leopard (Rita); and many nephews and nieces.
John graduated from Parker High School, Greenville, SC, in 1970, where he was editor of the Parkerscope (yearbook) in his senior year. John earned a bachelor’s degree in English and History from Clemson University, and a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
John taught English and Drama at the junior college level in Pensacola, FL. He also taught at the high school level (Escambia High) in Pensacola. He later managed movie theaters in California and Florida before choosing to spend the remainder of his career at Goodwill Industries in Orlando, FL. Even as his health began to fail, he remained dedicated to his work at Goodwill.
Over his lifetime, John loved and was loved by his family, maintained life-long friendships with many Parker and Clemson classmates, helped his work colleagues and former students when he could, and enjoyed the devotion of his beloved dogs, Zeus and Jackson — his constant companions for 14 years. John’s friendliness, loving nature and caring for others will be greatly missed.
In a tribute to John, his life and their friendship, his close friend Becky Smith (Parker High School classmate) recently wrote on FaceBook: “He was one of the most kind-hearted and wonderful friends that I have ever known.”
A celebration of John's life will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 at Cremation Society of SC - Westville Funerals, 6010 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611. A greeting of friends and family will begin at 6 PM, followed by a service at 7 PM. LIVESTREAM: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3NjQxMjQzNDIzNTkxMCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==