Richard Markwalter Leonard

Bluffton, SC – Richard Markwalter Leonard, 64, entered into rest on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at home. He was born in Augusta on December 6, 1961, to the late “Coach” Denny Leonard and Ann Markwalter “Big Ann” Leonard. After a memory-filled childhood in Augusta as the youngest of ten siblings, he graduated from Aquinas High School and attended Augusta College. He then pursued an early golf career on Hilton Head Island, where he earned his PGA Class A certification. Later, upon returning to Augusta, he had a lifelong career as a telecommunications specialist with AT&T Inc. (previously BellSouth, LLC) and, after retiring to Bluffton, South Carolina, he continued working in his same role with Progressive Communications. Throughout it all, he never met a stranger.

He was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife, Christy Burke Dove; his children Henry “Hank” Cumming Leonard and Rebecca “Janie” Jane Leonard, three stepchildren, Trey Patrick Dove (Jessica), Taylor Lloyd Dove (Caroline), and Kendel Gower Dove, seven siblings, Ann Leonard Ribock (John), Dennis Michael Leonard, III (Jeannine), Catherine “Cay” Leonard Hickey (Jud); John “Gerry” Gerald Leonard (Stella), James Grady Leonard (Amanda), Thomas Joseph Leonard, Brian Timothy Leonard (Mary), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Margaret (Peggy) Leonard Godbee and Victor Markwalter Leonard.

He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, a member of the Irish American Heritage Society, a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

A vigil service will take place Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends following the vigil, from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Mary on-the-Hill Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Aquinas High School football program, 1920 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 or the Leonard Family PaceDay campaign in support of the Georgia Cancer Center.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com