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David Wilkinson Leonard, 93, of Mocksville, died on Feb. 16, 2020 after a lengthy battle with dementia.

He was born July 30, 1926 in Forsyth County, a son of the late Stahle Hartman Leonard and Edna Wilkinson Leonard of Rowan County.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Edna Rae Sidwell.

He served his country in the US Navy during World War II on board the carrier USS Ben Franklin CV13 and was on board March 19, 1945, when the attack on his ship claimed more than 700 lives. After his service, he attended Pfeiffer College and later retired from Bell South Telephone after 34 years in cable repair.

Survivors: his son and daughter-in-law, David and Uka Leonard of Mocksville; his brother, Stahle H. Leonard and nephew Richard Leonard of Albemarle; grandson, Justin Kyle Leonard; and 2 great-granddaughters, Kahli and Marley Leonard.

Visitation was 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 at Davie Funeral Service. A graveside service was held at Salisbury National Cemetery at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, with his brother, Stahle H. Leonard officiating.

Condolences: www.daviefuneralservice.com.