Leonard Melear

Leonard Melear, 72, Church Hill, TN, died peacefully in his home early Monday due to an apparent heart attack. Leonard was born in Sullivan County where he had lived most of his life. He was a graduate of Sullivan West, class of 1960, where he lettered in three sports, football, basketball and baseball. Leonard was an avid golfer and was known for his ability to hit long distance golf balls. He retired from Lafayette Air Conditioning in 2003.

He was preceded in death by parents, Sam and Dorothy Melear; son, Garrett Lynn Melear; and nephew, Scott Rotenberry.

Leonard is survived by his companion, Jean Davis and family, of the home; daughter, Jody Vaughn and husband, Jeff of Kingsport; four grandchildren, Chelsea and Katie Ferguson and Zachary and Lindsey Vaughn; three sisters, JoAnn Booher of Franklin, TN, Louise Rotenberry of Kingsport, TN and Mereda Ratliff of Kingsport, TN; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

The family will receive friends at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport on Friday from 6-8:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 pm with Pastor Chuck Grimm officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and special friends will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions can be sent to Jody Vaughn, 257 Cox Hollow Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664.

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