Larry Leonard’s love for adventure was perhaps best embodied by his passion for motorcycles. There was something about the open road that called to him—the wind in his face, the roar of the engine beneath him, and the sense of unbounded freedom. For Larry, riding wasn’t just a pastime—it was a philosophy. It symbolized the freedom he fought so hard to achieve in his life, and the peace he found in embracing the journey as much as the destination. He and Laurie spent countless weekends and vacations on their motorcycle, exploring the countryside, attending biker rallies, and connecting with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. Larry was deeply entrenched in biker culture, but he wasn’t in it for show—he was in it for the experience, the camaraderie, and the escape from the mundane. Their rides would often take them across state lines, through scenic back roads, coastal highways, and small towns where they would stop to enjoy a bite to eat, listen to local music, or simply take in the beauty of the landscape.
One of Larry’s favorite destinations was the Florida Keys. He and Laurie would take long trips from Okeechobee down through the Everglades and all the way to Key West. These trips weren’t just vacations—they were soul-refreshing adventures. Every trip was carefully chronicled in photos, with Larry’s broad smile under his helmet reflecting the joy and contentment those journeys brought him. Larry wasn’t just a biker—he was a storyteller on two wheels. His stories of mishaps, mechanical issues, weathering storms, or simply discovering a hidden gem of a diner off the beaten path were legendary among friends and family. And through it all, Laurie was always his riding partner, seated confidently behind him, their bond made even stronger with every mile.
Although Larry was a man of many talents and interests, nothing surpassed the pride he had in his role as a father and grandfather. His daughters, LeeAnn and Faith, were his world. He spoke about them often, and with a sense of awe and respect. He marveled at their accomplishments and supported them wholeheartedly, whether that meant helping with home renovations, offering business advice, or just being there to listen. LeeAnn, the eldest, inherited her father’s drive and entrepreneurial spirit, while Faith mirrored his artistic side and deep emotional insight. Larry had a way of nurturing their individuality while reinforcing the family values of hard work, loyalty, and compassion. He believed in raising strong, independent women, and he led by example—teaching them the value of doing a job right, standing by your word, and showing love without reservation.
When his grandson Liam was born, Larry embraced the role of “Papa” with the same enthusiasm and dedication he had poured into every other part of his life. He spent hours showing Liam how to tune a guitar, clean tools, and even how to ride a small dirt bike on the family property. Those moments weren’t just leisure time; they were the seeds of legacy. Liam’s admiration for his Papa was unmistakable, and the two shared a bond that only deepened as Liam grew older. Larry believed that teaching wasn’t just about instruction—it was about modeling. And so, through his actions, he showed his children and grandson what it meant to live a life of integrity, grit, and joy. Whether fixing a roof or strumming chords on the back porch, Larry’s presence was a steady, reassuring force in their lives.
To call Larry Leonard a roofer would be to severely understate his abilities and reputation. Larry was a master craftsman—someone who took immense pride in the work of his hands. His customers knew him not just as a tradesman, but as a professional who treated every job like a work of art. Roofing, welding, and metalwork weren’t just tasks—they were Larry’s canvas. He paid attention to every detail, ensuring safety, durability, and aesthetic quality in equal measure. Lakes To Ocean Maintenance, the company Larry and Laurie ran, became known for its integrity, punctuality, and superior results. Whether it was restoring copper guttering, laying down shingles, or fabricating custom metal components, Larry approached every task with the same level of enthusiasm and precision. Clients trusted Larry not just because of the quality of his work, but because of the kind of man he was. He was honest, fair, and dependable—qualities that are becoming increasingly rare. Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon Larry became the go-to name for roofing and welding in their region. He didn’t need flashy advertising; his work spoke for itself.
And while the labor was hard, Larry loved every minute of it. He loved problem-solving, working with his hands, and creating lasting structures. He loved the feeling of standing back at the end of the day and saying, “I built that.” It was a tangible representation of his values—strength, resilience, and pride in a job well done. On April 24, 2025, tragedy struck in West Palm Beach. Larry was working on a job site—something he had done thousands of times before—when a workplace accident occurred. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders and medical staff, Larry’s injuries proved too severe. The suddenness of his passing sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the community he had served for decades. Details of the accident remain under investigation, but what is clear is that the world lost a man whose impact reached far beyond the roofs he built or the music he played. Larry’s death left a void that cannot be filled—a vibrant life cut short doing the work he loved.
His passing serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in skilled trades and the need for continued vigilance and safety measures on job sites. But it also highlighted something profound: Larry died as he lived—working hard, giving his best, and building something meaningful. Following his passing, an outpouring of love and remembrance flooded social media, community boards, and the streets of Okeechobee. Former clients shared stories of how Larry went above and beyond, sometimes refusing payment from families in need or driving across counties to help an elderly homeowner. Fellow musicians paid tribute by performing some of his favorite songs. His biker community organized a memorial ride in his honor, with dozens of motorcycles lining the roads he once traveled.
A candlelight vigil was held outside his family home, with friends and neighbors sharing heartfelt stories, laughter, and tears. “He was the kind of man who made you believe in good people,” one neighbor shared. “He fixed my roof, played guitar with my son, and once came over on Christmas morning to help when our pipes froze.” His daughters remembered him with pride and warmth. “Dad wasn’t just our protector,” LeeAnn said. “He was our biggest cheerleader, our teacher, and our friend.” Faith added, “His hands were calloused from work, but they were the hands that held us when we cried, clapped when we succeeded, and played the guitar strings that made us feel joy.”
Larry Wallace Leonard left behind more than memories—he left behind a legacy. A legacy of craftsmanship, of love, of adventure, and of unwavering loyalty to those he held dear. He showed by example that a life rooted in hard work and compassion could yield a richness that no amount of money could buy. His tools may now rest, but the things he built—roofs, businesses, relationships, and memories—will endure. Every time Liam picks up his guitar, every time Laurie hears a motorcycle engine roar to life, and every time someone looks up at a roof he laid, Larry’s spirit will be there.
In many ways, Larry didn’t just build structures—he built people. He built trust, joy, and a home for his loved ones. And as long as those who knew him continue to share his stories, play his music, and live with the kind of honest passion he embodied, Larry will never truly be gone.
The post Larry Leonard Obituary: West Palm Beach, FL | Beloved Father, Grandfather, and Craftsman Dies in Tragic Accident first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
