Joe Franklin Leard

Mr. Joe Franklin Leard, 84, of N. Broad Street, Bowman, died on Monday morning, January 16, 2023, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital. Following a sudden illness, Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

He was born at home in rural Madison County on February 27, 1938, the fourth of six children born to Luther and Callie Eunice Hunter Leard, and served his country faithfully in United States Air Force. Mr. Leard worked for 25 years at Elberton Mills as a loom fixer before going to work in the granite industry. Joe worked at Welch and Worley Granite Company and retired from the sandblast department at Everlasting Granite Company.

A man of great faith, he loved the Lord. Mr. Leard was a present member of Rehoboth Baptist Church where he was involved with the men’s ministry. Joe was a former member of Northside Baptist Church where he previously served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and on various committees.

Above all, he was dedicated to his family. He was a devoted “Daddy” to his daughters, “Granddaddy” to his grandchildren, and “Papa Joe” to his great-grandchildren. Joe could fix absolutely anything. He will be lovingly remembered for his gentle smile, handshake, and his ability to pick on everybody.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Margaret ‘Carolyn’ Burton Leard; and his siblings: Gus Leard and Laura Mae Jordan.

Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Dianne David Booth Leard of the home; daughters: Kathy and Mike Walters of Elberton and Pam and Ronny Bennett of Dawsonville; grandchildren: Amy and Brian McIntosh of Elberton, Abby Bennett of Dawsonville, and Todd and Nancy Bennett of Gainesville; great-grandchildren: Landyn McIntosh and Jade Bennett; step-children: Doug Booth of Bowman and Denise Bumgarner of Watkinsville; sisters: Kathryn Rousey of Bowman, Peggy and John Tom Scarborough of Elberton, and Marie Saxon of Dewy Rose; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family is at the home and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, January 18, from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock.

Funeral services celebrating Joe’s life will be held in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home on Thursday morning, January 19, at 11 o’clock with interment following in Forest Hills Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Rehoboth Baptist Church Sign Fund, 3017 Rehoboth Road Extension, Bowman, GA 30624.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joe Franklin Leard.