William Jurdon Leonard, III, affectionately known as Tripp, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in Opelika, Alabama, after a brief illness.

Tripp was born in Opelika, Alabama, on November 2, 1963. After graduating from Opelika High School in 1982, Tripp pursued an associates degree in graphic design. However, he quickly realized that sitting behind a desk wasn't the right fit for his energetic, outgoing personality. He discovered his true passion in property management, where he thrived on interacting with tenants and enjoyed the satisfaction of providing homes for people he considered friends.

In 1989, Tripp married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Klinner. Together, they had two daughters, Ann Marie and Adrienne, who were his pride and joy. Tripp considered it a privilege to create lasting memories for his "girls" through travel and shared experiences.

Tripp had a gift for making everyone feel like a friend, never meeting a stranger. His circle of friends was vast, with hundreds of people who cherished him. It was rare to go anywhere with him without being greeted by someone he knew. He was always ready for a day at the lake, a mountain getaway, or simply spending time with his closest friends.

Tripp is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cindy, daughters Ann Marie and Adrienne Leonard, parents Billy and Sandra Leonard, brother James (Katy) Leonard, sister Kimberly Leonard, nieces Kathleen Leonard and Olivia (Corey) Freeman, nephew Banks Leonard, brothers-in-law Ken Klinner, Johnny (Mary Ellen) Klinner, and Karl (Jenny) Klinner, sister-in-law Leah Klinner, nieces Amy (Gareth) Bridge, Allyson (Matt) Rumble, Jane Ann Klinner, Ella Kate Klinner, nephews Alex (Libby) Klinner, Crawford Klinner, and a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the countless doctors and nurses at EAMC, The Spencer Cancer Center, and The Clinic on 6th for their medical expertise, compassion, and guidance during his illness.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, located at 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Alabama, on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will take place immediately after at Garden Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.