Leonard Rhea Escue was born on September 2, 1939, in Ripley, Tennessee, the son of Lantie Oneal Escue and Myrtle Escue. He departed this life on October 23, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 85.

Leonard was a member of Ellendale Baptist Church. He loved working outside in his yard and watching Memphis Tigers football and basketball. He was the owner of Protective Plastic Cover Company. He later became an upholstery teacher at Sheffield Vocational School and then retired as an upholstery supervisor with the Shelby County Corrections Center.

Leonard served in the United States Army as military police stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.

He was a loving stepfather for over 55 years. He is survived by three stepchildren: Rick Thornton of Memphis, TN; Wanda Quirarte and her husband Cesar of Bartlett, TN; and Tim Thornton and his wife Cynthia of Olive Branch, MS, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Rebecca Willine Escue; stepson Fred Thomas Thornton; daughter-in-law Joann Thornton; companion Mary Catherine Mathis; four sisters; and two brothers.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. on Wednesday, October 30 at Forest Hill Funeral Home East. Services will be held at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ellendale Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN