W. Irvine Leonard

February 24, 1949 - May 11, 2022

W. Irvine Leonard, 73, passed away on May 11, 2022, at his Miccosukee home on the land he loved, listening to his favorite music, with his family by his side. Irvine was born and raised in Tallahassee. Though he graduated from Leon High School in 1968, he considered himself an alum of the Class of ’67! While at Leon, Irvine became a track and field star and, because of his easy smile, southern charm, and genuine likability, he was voted Homecoming King in 1967. Irvine never met a stranger and rarely missed a sunset. Irvine obtained his journeyman license as a plumber and pipefitter in 1978, which allowed him to work all across the country. Through his dedication, love and belief of the Union, he became Business Manager of Local Union 592, serving for 12 years. For five years, he was an OSHA education trainer with the AFL-CIO. Irvine was an instructor for the inaugural welding program at TCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Department, where he mentored and inspired students to be prepared to move forward in their lives. He retired from TCC in 2017. He spent his retirement with the people and things he was passionate about: his “bride” Debie, spending time on their front porch; time spent with his boys and their friends; playing with his grandchildren; reading books; telling stories; taking care of his horses and the land he so cherished. And Irvine loved to laugh and play practical jokes on his friends. Preceded in death were Irvine’s parents, LaMerle Corr Leonard and Charles Watson Leonard; his stepmother Vivian Leonard; brothers Charles (Bubba) and Raleigh Leonard; brother-in-law, Rick Coble; and nephew Chip Leonard. Irvine leaves behind Debie Leonard, the love of his life and partner for 47 years; his sons, Cory Leonard (Henna) and Jake Leonard (Taylor); his grandchildren, Ryder, Nash, Sutton and Alice; sisters-in-law Jane Leonard, Judy Leonard, Christine Coble, Rhonda Loos (Neal Piltch); niece Amanda Coble and nephew Christopher Coble (Florabeth). The family will be receiving guests for a celebration of life at the family residence on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. In memory, donations may be made to provide scholarships to the TCC Foundation Welding Program; 444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304 Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)