Jesse "Leonard" Haizlip, Jr.

Jesse Leonard Haizlip, Jr. 82, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus. After facing health challenges the past few weeks with strength and grace, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 31, 2026.

Leonard was a vibrant and devoted presence in his community, whether through his church, civic organizations, or simply being there for his neighbors, friends, and most of all his family. He gave generously of his time, energy, and heart whenever he could, always eager to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Family was the center of Leonard’s life. After a chance meeting while cruising Main Street, he and Jo Anne began a love story that moved quickly and wholeheartedly. They dated just three months before marrying on December 22, 1963, beginning a marriage that would last 62 years. Their partnership became the foundation of the home, the family, and the life they built together.

His dedication to service was especially evident through his lifelong involvement in the Moose Association. Over 52 years, Leonard served in many capacities and was honored in 2014 with the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the highest distinction bestowed by the Loyal Order of Moose. He was also an active member of the A O Civitan, where he served as past president and participated in countless community efforts, including roadside cleanups, community breakfasts, Fun on the Farm for autistic children, and numerous raffles and fundraisers.

Leonard’s faith was a guiding force in his life. He was a member of People’s Memorial Church, where he often drove the church bus for various activities, not only for his own congregation but for others in the community as well. In recent years, he attended Lakeview Community Church, continuing to build meaningful connections and serve wherever he was needed.

One of Leonard’s greatest passions was sports. Long before he coached, he was an accomplished athlete himself at A.O. High School. He played three years of baseball, serving as captain or co-captain of his team, and he excelled on the football field, where he earned the nickname “Running Bear” his senior year. As captain, he averaged an impressive 8.8 yards per carry and ran for over 1,000 yards, an extraordinary achievement for high school football in those days. Later in life, he poured that same passion into coaching his children and many others in football, baseball, and softball.

He was known for picking up kids who needed rides to practices and games, ensuring every child had the chance to participate. To this day, many still speak of him as a father figure who shaped their lives with kindness, encouragement, and steady guidance.

Among his many accomplishments, Leonard’s greatest pride was the love and care he devoted to his family, especially his mother. He gave endlessly, whether driving loved ones to appointments, delivering food, offering rides, or simply helping with whatever was needed. He was always willing and ready to help loved ones with any care related maintenance they needed. There was truly nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. He was the best husband, dad, Pawpaw, brother and uncle.

Leonard was the son of Juanita Dimont Haizlip and Jesse Leonard Haizlip Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Goodson Haizlip; his two children, Jason Haizlip (Leslie) and Jamie Canada (Eddie); and his four grandchildren, Kyle Haizlip (Anna), Cheyenne Miles (Joshua), Madeline Brown (Conner), and Abigail Canada. He was blessed with two greatgrandchildren, Piper and Killian Haizlip. Leonard is also survived by his siblings Doris Smith (Rhonnie), Elwood

Haizlip (Suzanne), Jan Williams, and Cathy McKinney (Randy), along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Leonard was known far and wide for his beautiful 1977 Carolina Blue Chevrolet Cheyenne truck. It won many awards at car shows, and people often recognized him instantly by that beloved truck.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 2:00PM at People’s Church by Rev. Tyler Thompson. The graveside service will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday afternoon from 4-7PM and other times at the home.

To honor Leonard’s legacy of service and generosity, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Moose International in his honor.