Leonard Otey Waldron

Leonard Otey Waldron, age 90, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

He was born on August 9, 1935 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Earl Gilmore Waldron and Bessie Edna Webber Waldron. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Earl Waldron, Alton Morris Waldron, Allie Lee Waldron; and granddaughter, Ashley Danielle Pritchett.

Leonard married his beloved wife, Monteen Daniel Waldron, on August 12, 1956, at Fairfield Baptist Church in Demorest. Together they built a strong and loving family, having four children, Anita, Reynolds, Kimberly, and Lynne. A dedicated servant to his country, Leonard retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant (E-7) after 20 years of service. His distinguished career included assignments at bases across the U.S., as well as tours in Guam, Vietnam, and Thailand. He was a decorated veteran who served with honor in multiple aircraft operations, including the B-47, B-52, WC-130, C-7A, F-4, and F-111 programs. Following his military career, Leonard continued his service to others with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, where he retired after 22 years as Division Manager of the Clarkesville-Toccoa-Hartwell Division. In this role, he was a tireless advocate for veterans across Habersham, Banks, Stephens, Franklin, White, Rabun, and Hart counties. Leonard was a lifelong servant leader in his community. He was a life member of VFW Post 7720, where he served as both Post Commander and 13th District Commander. He was also a Life member of American Legion Habersham Post 84, a life member of Disabled American Veterans, past president of the North Georgia Technical College Alumni Association, and a devoted board member of the college for 28 years. Additionally, he served on the board of the Northeast Georgia Girl Scouts. Leonard was a member of Cool Springs Methodist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia.

Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Monteen Daniel Waldron, of Demorest; daughter, Anita Carol Waldron of Clermont; son and daughter-in-law, Reynolds Lemar Waldron and Patsy, of Maysville; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Jo Garrison and Greg of Ft. Collins, CO; and daughter, Lynne Marie Waldron, of Demorest; He was a proud grandfather to Albert Waldron, Molly Waldron, Adrienne Garrison Hedden (Jared), Chandler Garrison, Spencer Garrison, and Kathryn Waldron. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Weston Bryant and Addison Monroe Hedden.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Steve McIntyre and Rev. Garvis Kinsey officiating. Interment will follow in the VFW Memorial Park in Demorest, Georgia with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org)

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.