Leonard Spires Jeter

Leonard Spires Jeter, a lifelong resident of Panama City, FL, passed away in his sleep on January 12, 2019 at his country home in Vernon, FL after a long illness. Leonard was born in DeFuniak Springs, FL, on July 26, 1941, the son of the late Robert LeRoy Jeter and Nancy Louann Jeter. Leonard was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert Huey (Helen) Jeter and Ronnie Harold (Audrey) Jeter, and his two sisters, Helen Ruth (Phillip) King and Goldie Patricia (Richard) Johnson. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Sharol (Ronnie) McSpadden of Chattanooga, TN, his son Kurt Jeter of Atlanta, GA, his son Kevin Jeter of Barnwell, SC, his daughter Leigh-Anne Perullo of Panama City Beach, FL, numerous nieces, and nephews whom he thought of as his own children, and his beloved grandchildren, whom he worshiped and who endearingly knew him as “Paw Paw.” Always putting the needs of others before his own, Leonard was a unique man, one of the most interesting individuals one could ever know. Often referred to by friends, acquaintances, and members of the community as the “smartest man I know,” he had an uncanny knack for making friends and making people laugh. Tall, dark, and handsome, women wanted him, and men wanted to be him. As a former sports writer for the local News Herald and U.S. Air Force Medic, Leonard spent the latter part of his career in Project Management and land development. After visiting all seven continents, he retired to the “country,” spending countless hours with his family and his beloved dog, “Hayward.” Well known and well respected, Leonard leaves behind an eternal legacy, and a pair of shoes that can never be filled. A funeral celebration of Leonard’s life is scheduled for 4pm on Friday, January 18, 2019 at Forest Park United Methodist Church, Panama City, FL, with the Reverend Richard Peterson officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 3pm until 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Leonard to Alaqua Animal Refuge, Freeport, Florida.

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