Mr. J. Leonard Ledbetter

Leonard was born and grew up near Grant, Alabama.He attended the DAR School for 12 years and graduated from high school in 1953. He drove a school bus the last 2 years (1951-1953).Leonard and Jean Mason married February 14,1953 and moved to the DAR School Grade A Dairy, which they operated from 1953 - 1954. Their first son, Leonard, Jr. was born prematurely (4lbs,10oz) in November 8, 1953. From February 1954 - June 1960 they lived in DeKalb County, Alabama and inspected Grade A Dairies and other duties. He attended night classes at Snead Jr. College: 1957-1960. Their youngest son, James Michael, was born July 26, 1960. From June 1960 - June 1963 they lived in Birmingham and he worked for Alabama Water Improvement Commission while attending evening classes at University of Alabama Engineering Center in Birmingham. From June 1963-June 1965 they moved to Atlanta and he completed his B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech. From June 1965-April1972 he worked as an engineer for the Georgia Water Quality Control Board in Atlanta and moved to DeKalb County, GA to live in 1966. From April 1972 to Oct. 1974 he was appointed by Gov. Jimmy Carter to the position of Deputy Director Georgia Environmental Protection Divisions. In October 1974 Gov. Carter appointed Leonard Director of EPD and he served in that position until 1990. In April 1984 Gov. Joe F. Harris appointed Leonard as commissioner of the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources as well as Director of EPD. He did both jobs until July 1990. From August 1990 - 1995 Leonard was President of Law Environmental Consulting Firm and grew the firm from 556 to 1000 employees. The office was in Kennesaw, Georgia and added another 18 offices across the US. 1996-2018: After Law reorganized the firm and sold to MACTEC in 2002, then became AMEC and lastly WOOD Environment & Infrastructure, Leonard worked as senior officer in charge of several large projects until retiring at the end of September 2018. He was retained as a part-time consultant/advisor to WOOD’s clients and young WOOD employees from 2018-2024. In addition to their 2, sons, Jean and Leonard have 3 grandchildren (Leonard & Cindy’s) Brandon, Amanda, and Blake. They were pleased to assist the 3 grandchildren get their college degrees by providing financial support.Their greatest pride has been their 2 sons and 3 grandchildren and now their 9 great grand-children. Their 2nd son, Jim Ledbetter, has worked at Lockheed Martin for forty years. He married Beverly later in life. Jim had no children. He is a loving and supportive son. J. Leonard Ledbetter passed away leaving behind a legacy of love and family. He is survived by his loving spouse, Jean Mason Ledbetter; his son, Jim (Beverly) Ledbetter; and his sisters, Ann Kreul and Sarah (John) Barnard. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Brandon Ledbetter, Amanda (Josh) Smith, and Blake Ledbetter; and his great-grandchildren, Ian and Hannah Jane Ledbetter, and Noah, Benji, Levi, Judah, Asher, Titus, and Scarlett Smith. He was preceded in death by his son, J. Leonard Ledbetter Jr., and his parents, Willie B. and Bernice Ledbetter. He will be put to rest at a private family graveside service. The family is planning a celebration of life/memorial with details forthcoming.

Mr. J. Leonard Ledbetter

November 7, 1934 - July 27, 2026