George Leepard, Jr

of Vestavia, passed away at his home on Monday, March 5, 2007, at the age of 84. He was born in Florida and was a longtime resident of Alabama. George was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and served in WWII in the 479th Bomb Group. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He was retired from the Birmingham News where he proudly dedicated 39 and a half years. He was preceded in death by a wife, Ann Wilson LeePard; a daughter, Anita LeePard Bennett; his parents, George P. LeePard, Sr. and Katie Lou Hall LeePard; and a brother, Dickie LeePard. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara LeePard; a son, Geoffrey S. LeePard and daughter-in-law, Jude W. LeePard, of Tuscaloosa; a step-daughter, Becky Ward (Mike); and two step-sons, David and Mike Frost; a sister, Winnie Kate Smith, of Mobile; a granddaughter, Amy C. LeePard, of Northport; a grandson, Austin C. LeePard, of Brookwood; four step-grandchildren, Jeana and Kristina Frost, Chris and LeeAnna Ward; and a special friend, Randy J. Arnold, of Northport. A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 8, 2007, at 1:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Vestavia Hills Public Library. Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home directing.