Derrick Tyron Leonard, 43, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, May 23, 2021. A native of Gainesville, he was the first-born son of Brendlyn Dumas and Willie Leonard, Jr., born on Saturday, May 20, 1978. He was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1997 graduate of Palatka High School. In his early years, he attended Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with his loving and caring grandmother, Gertrude Shingles. Derrick earned certification as a nursing assistant. He enjoyed working in the construction industry and cooking. He was an avid sports fan.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his maternal grandparents, Lottie B. Simpson, Gertrude and Wiley Shingles; paternal grandparents, Willie, Sr. and Betty Leonard; aunt, D'Ann Wingo; uncle, Simon Leonard.

He leaves to cherish his memories: wife , Brittany Leonard; mother , Brendlyn Dumas; father , Willie (Arlene) Leonard, Jr.; adored & loving children , K'Shandra McCray, MarKayla Leonard, Derrisha Leonard, Caris Leonard, all of Palatka; 5 wonderful grandchildren ; beloved stepchildren ; siblings , Stephanie Leonard, Antonio Leonard, Ronald (Nikki) Chaney, Shani (Nick) McCaskill, Keyshawn Leonard, all of Palatka; Willie Leonard III, Greenville, SC; aunts & uncles , Teressa (Larry) McKinnon, Avis (John) Belt, Spanjer Dumas, Percy Wingo, Darryll Dumas, Charlene Leonard Arnold, Rose (Lamont) Cooper, Royzie Leonard, Dennis Leonard, Albert Leonard, Billy Leonard, Greg Leonard, Artis Leonard; mother-in-law, Azalee Bellamy, Maryland; sisters-in-law, Jovonia Lundy, Maryland; Tiffany Bellamy, Georgia; special nephew , Lance Hutcherson, Jr.; godmother , Evangelist Patricia Milton, best friend , Brian Roan; a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, especially devoted friend , LeShonda Rivera.

CDC guidelines will be followed for the visitation of family and friends from 6:30-8 p.m., Friday, June 4 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Celebration of Derrick's Life will be 11 a.m., Saturday, June 5 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 118 Fairgrounds Road, East Palatka. Elder Leo A. Parker, The Emerge Church of Palatka, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery.