Bob was born September 29, 1957 in Farmington, New Mexico to Henry Leonard, preceded and Leone Coatney Leonard of Paris, TN. Visitation 11:00 - 2:00PM prior to the service Saturday October 17, 2015. There will be a private family burial. Named as pallbearers are Tim Leonard, David Leonard, Jason Ziegler, Matthew Hinton, Josh Biggers, Michael Smith, "Bubba" Downing and Jerry Merrell. He is survived by a son: David Wayne Leonard, Nashville, TN; step-daughter: Christina Hinton, TN; step-sons: Jason Ziegler, McKenzie, TN, Mason (Sara) Hinton, TN, Matthew (Brandi) Hinton, SC; sisters: Kaye (Andy) Laughlin, Eagle River, AK, Davona Hatley, Brownsville, TX, Denise (Gary) Wardle, Puryear, TN; brothers: David M. (Linda) Leonard, Roseburg, OR, Tim (Lisa) Leonard, Paris, TN; grandchild: Elizabeth Armstrong, Murray, KY; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, locally survived by: Ashley (Michael) Smith, Rachel (Josh) Biggers and Emily Leonard.Bob was first and foremost an advocate for people with disabilities. He dedicated his life to giving other people with disabilities a better life. His hard work and dedication has influenced policies and legislation across the state of Tennessee and on a national level. Bob took pride in the organization that he helped to establish, T.A.R.P. (Training, Advocacy, Referral, and Peer Support) Center for Independent Living in Paris, Tennessee, of which he was the Executive Director. He was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to the Tennessee State Equal and Fair Employment Opportunities Commission. He was also appointed to numerous State Councils under both Governor Phil Bredesen and Governor Bill Haslam including the Statewide Independent Living Council, the Tennessee State Rehabilitation Council, and the Tennessee Family Support Council. He also served on the Advisory Council for the Area Agency on Aging and Disability for West Tennessee and as a board member for the Real Hope Youth Center in Paris, TN. On a national level, Bob was elected to the APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living) board in 2014. Throughout the years, Bob has traveled across the country participating in and attending many conferences, spreading his knowledge and absorbing others skills and knowledge, at his side was his assistant, his sister Denise. More than anything, Bob loved using his skills and knowledge to assist others in developing policies and legislation to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. He was a coveted member on any council or board due to his knowledge and ferocity for equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. The passion he had for his work guided every decision he made. There are not enough words to describe everything that Bob Leonard did on behalf of the people that he served so passionately. Because of his own struggles with severe physical disabilities, Bobs life was an inspiration to so many people. He always said that there was something someone can do and insisted that people "never give up" on fulfilling their dreams and goals. As many of you know, "Never Give Up" was his signature phrase and he never gave up on anything he was passionate about. In addition to his work, Bob loved everyone in his life with that same passion. He was always available to help any time, day or night, when someone needed him. He had so many skills and he loved sharing his knowledge. When he wasnt making the world a better place for people with disabilities, Bob loved his life on the goat farm. He was filled with joy at every arrival of his "goat babies". His most recent companion was supposed to be Thanksgiving dinner two years ago, but being the fair man he was, Bob became so attached to Tom the Turkey that he pardoned him and christened him his "new best friend." His other best friend was Daisy Dog. Bob and Daisy shared many years together in and around the farm. Although Bob was not born a southerner, he adapted to Tennessee life. He loved hunting, wearing camo, and braving icy, wintery conditions in his Super Tahoe "Bad Bob 1", that he jokingly claimed was the " biggest, baddest" truck around. He loved a good beer and a good cigar and was known for his Fedora's. Bob passed peacefully at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville on October 12, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that memorials be made in his name to T.A.R.P. Center for Independent Living located at 1027 Mineral Wells Ave, Suite 3, Paris, TN 38242.