Walter Edward Leonard, Jr., 74, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on August 26, 2019.
Condolence messages for the family can be left on Walt's In Memory page, or posted on the funeral home's memorial page for Walt. His obituary is pasted in full below the link to the funeral home's on-line obit.
https://lowcountryfuneral.com/tribute/details/22783/Walter-Leonard-Jr/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR1psFDGb0ffz9iQNwI57zgEmq7jzTfh9HRy76_SjS4IyfNSxy-beMJuuF8#tribute-start
Walter, known to his friends as Walt, was born in Durham, North Carolina on June 13, 1945, a son of Walter Edward Leonard and Ella Clifton Beddingfield Leonard.
Walt is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Bowen Leonard; his son, Robert Edward Leonard and his wife, Shannon Colleen Leonard; his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Frazier and her husband, Gerald Frazier; his grandchildren, David Evan Leonard, Emily Elizabeth Leonard, Emerson Miles Harrell, Ella Ann Leonard and Julie Ann Frazier. He is also survived by his brother, David Ernest Leonard and his wife, Pamela King Leonard, of Atlanta, Georgia; his sister, Ellen Leonard Powell, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.
Walt is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Edward Leonard and Ella Beddingfield Leonard Buck, his step-father, W. D. Buck, Jr. , and his brother-in -law, A. Blair Powell, Jr.
Walt graduated from Durham High School and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His entire work career was spent with Wachovia Bank and he retired from the bank in 2000 as senior executive vice president in charge of Wachovia Operational Services. Mike Morgan, fellow Wachovia employee and friend, wrote the following about Walt:
“We regret to inform you of the passing of our friend Walter Leonard on Monday, August 26, 2019. For the past two years Walt underwent intensive cancer treatments with the courage, determination, and optimism that you would expect of him. He was bolstered through it all by the constant support and strength of Betsy and his family.
During the last two decades of his long career with Wachovia Bank, Walter was responsible for Wachovia's information systems and banking operations. His tenure coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in American banking, a period of unprecedented regulatory, technological, and societal change. His leadership, devotion, and vision were a vital part of the bank's expansion during that time. He was highly esteemed by his associates and often consulted by regulators, technologists, and banking industry leaders.
Walter had a well-deserved reputation for his intellect, but he was also witty, charming, and compassionate. He was a friend to many of us and a mentor to a lucky few. He taught by example and repetition - we should always make time for ourselves and our families; our employees are our most valuable asset; and, integrity is its own reward. He liked the word "Wachovian". He will be missed, but we will tell "Walter" stories for years to come. Most of them will be true.”
Walt was rendered paraplegic at the age of seven, the result of an unfortunate accident. However, he never allowed that injury or subsequent disability to define him. Walt achieved the designation of Eagle Scout and was the president of the Durham High School Marching Band. All through his life his determination in the face of adversity that would have diminished most people, along with his constant positive attitude, served him and those around him well. He was an inspiration to those who knew him. He was also a generous man, always willing to help friends and support his family without question.
Walt and Betsy would have celebrated 51 years of marriage in September of this year. He was cherished by his family and will be greatly missed.
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Walt -- July 2018 photo
Martin Thomas
Walter gave me the opportunity to begin my career in banking in 1981 and now, as I near retirement (after a nearly 40 year career in banking and consulting) I can say with confidence he was the smartest banker I have ever been associated. In addition, I have practiced of many of his "teachings"I learned as a "green" trainee and supervisor throughout my career! Does anyone remember reviewing your budget with him? :) He got my career started in the right direction and for that I will be forever grateful.
Mike Morgan
I traveled with Walter many times. You all know the drill - many of you did it for a living: Reveille, traffic, airport, taxi, business luncheon, taxi, airport, hotel, business dinner and cocktails. The next day, for me, was "wince, blather, and repeat". For Walter it was, to paraphrase: "another grand and glorious day to serve the Bank, every day is a holiday and every meal is a banquet". I often took for granted his physical strength, stamina, energy, and boundless enthusiasm. It wasn't easy being Walter. He just made it look that way.
Pam White
One of the first people I met when I joined First Atlanta. Always a gentleman, always supportive. A great WachovianDavid Cotterill
Walter and I worked side by side for many years... I convinced him to move from Raleigh Ops to the Systems area in W-S to broaden his exposure and knowledge base. Needless to say he did well in Systems and was prepared for more experience. He almost turned down the overall Ops job when Dodson Mathias moved to Miami FL,, yes , I was surprised, but i think he was pulling my leg. :).
So how did Walter get to Atlanta, GA ???
Late one night the two of us were driving back to W-S from the Greenville Ops Ctr, discussing staffing and liquor choices and sports .. you name it ,,, we discussed it.
During a lull in our coversation I asked Walter if he agreed with me that we needed someone currently in Senior Ops management to move to the Ops center in Atlanta. He agreed with me and I then said, "well, I guess it needs to be you or me".
He replied, "since you are the boss I guess it needs to be me" and I said Great idea Walter , let's decide when to do it..
The rest is history...
Rest in Peace Old Friend, I miss the good old days and our friendship,
Frank Zaubi
What a man! He will always be with us, through our memories, experiences and his examples of leadership. I had the privilege of being with Walt and his family several times during his final weeks. What struck me was an inner peace which was about him during his struggle. My thought, it came from a life well lived!
During my visits, when not with Walt, I was able to sit with family and some friends. And surprise, we all shared Walter stories. Believe me, family Walter stories can be just as captivating (some more so) as our Wachovia stories.
Something that I will always remember that Walt taught us all, and I continue to make efforts to live by; Worry— — NAH! What good does it do? Think through the situation, have a good plan, be prepared for anything and ready to make adjustments; Worry — — NAH!
Never forget you Walt. Peace brother!
Karen Anderson
I remember many visits from Walter when I worked Night Transit shift in Ops. Super guy with Great ideas and recommendations! He set Wonderful examples for ALL to follow! Love and peace to all of your family. RIP my friend. Karen Marshall Anderson.
Teri Diekroeger
I had the honor and privaledge to be Walt, and his family's Private Banker from the time he was still active with Wachovia, through the time he and Shirley had their offices on Mansell Rd., through the time he operated out of his office in their Dunwoody home, through their move to Isle of Palms, and then to the creation of the "Leonard Compund".in SC. Words cannot discribe what it meant to be his banker.
Teri Diekroeger
Frank Robb
I have read the In Memory reflections from others on Walter over the last few days and they all depict a man who was a special banker. Some reflect on his character, some on his tireless persistence for excellence and then others on his ability to get the best out of each of us.
To me he was defined not only by his contribution to Wachovia but more importantly for what he did for his family. He cared deeply for his wife, children and grand-children. After retirement he turned his attention to them with all the enthusiasm we all felt from him at the bank. While we knew him at Wachovia we were his family.
He was my mentor, leader and most importantly my friend.
Frank Robb
Faye Calder
Walter was a good man, I enjoyed workout my with him. Prayers to BETSY and the whole family!
Irma Comer
Aug. 28, 2019 message from Paul Boone:
Every now and then we are blessed to be in the company of very special people. People that make a difference in our lives, and that leave a lasting impact. This week we lost such a person. Walter Leonard left a lasting impact on me and, frankly, on everyone who knew him. And,in no small way, left an impact on banking that will be felt for generations. Those of us that were privileged to know him closely, and many in banking across the country know that he was a giant of a man. He and I often had one on one lunches, sharing conversation about family, politics and, of course, banking. Those were the moments, I felt, I got to know him the best. Those are the moments I treasure, and will always remember.