Leonard (Bear) Robert Ebert, 81, of Fayetteville, Ga. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 2, 2016 after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer.
Leonard was born in Lawrence, Mass. on September 9, 1935 to Ralph Herman Ebert and Helen Copeland Ebert of Salem, N.H. After attending school in Salem, N.H., he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955 where he was stationed on the USS Mitscher until 1959, then becoming a member of the Naval Reserve until 1963. During his enlistment, he attended East Coast Aero Technical School in Lawrence, Mass. graduating 3rd in his class and earning a certificate as an Aviation Master Mechanic.
During his time in the Navy, Leonard met the love of his life, Miss Judith Margaret Batchelder and they were married on July 5, 1958.
Leonard worked for several small airlines prior to accepting a position with Northeast Airlines as an aircraft mechanic. In 1972 Delta Air Lines acquired Northeast Airlines resulting in Leonard relocating his family to Georgia. He continued to work for Delta Air Lines until his retirement in 1993.
After retiring, Leonard pursued his interest in aircraft and classic automobile restoration. One of his proudest accomplishments included assisting in the restoration of a 1936 Lockheed 12A Electra Junior, which was used in the 2009 movie Amelia. He also completely restored a 1946 Ford Sedan Coupe. One of his favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle. He spent many days cruising the country side with his wife, Judy, and his faithful Jack Russell Terrier, Murphy. He was well-known for his amazing skills in building and repairing just about anything. In the words of his grandchildren, “Take it to Gramps, he can fix it.” Many of the toys he made by hand for his grandchildren have now been handed down to his great-grandchildren.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen Ebert and brother, Clinton C. Ebert.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Batchelder Ebert; three children, Leslie Noles of Fayetteville, Dawn Haggard (John) of Newnan, and Andrew Ebert (Brenda) of Orlando, Fla.; six grandchildren, Justin Noles (Amanda) of Powder Springs, Darcey Noles of Tampa, Fla., Amber Monk (Allen) of Warner Robins, Jordan Noles (Caley) of Villa Rica, Ashley Rogers (David) of Fayetteville and Rachel Schmidt (Eric) of Canton; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and his furry companions, Bailey and Lilly.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Georgia Cancer Center in Fayetteville and to Gentiva Hospice of Newnan for their extraordinary care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Close friends and family will be notified.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com
