Willie Donald Leopard, 89, of Ninety Six, widower of Shirley Kirby Leopard, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the Saluda Nursing Home.

Born on August 9, 1936, in Saluda, SC, he was a son of the late Willie and Leila Leopard. 

Donald retired from Greenwood Mills, Sloan Plant, where he served with commitment for over 40 years as a Fixer and Supervisor in the card room. His strong work ethic and steady presence made him a respected figure among his colleagues.

Beyond his career, Donald was a cherished member of the Ninety Six First Baptist Church. He was also an active member of Masonic Lodge #47, reflecting his dedication to fellowship and service.

Among Donald's proudest accomplishments was his long-standing involvement with the Ninety Six High School Football "Chain Gang," where he volunteered for 44 years and never missed a home game. This commitment demonstrated his love for community and sport.

Donald is survived by his children, Randall Leopard; Karen Kelly (Dennis); Susan Ann Morris; Kenneth Earl Morris (Anna); Ray E. Morris; and Johnny Morris (Laurie); grandchildren,  Allison Blankenship, Tanya Bailes, Michael Morris, Kayce Alford, Natalie Brand, Zach Billings, Kelly Graham Weeks, Kirby Morris, Brent Leopard, Kayla Leopard, Adele Kelly Price, Gabe Kelly, Jillian Goff, and Aaron Smith;  great-grandchildren Nick, Megan, Joey, and Beau Blankenship; Krew and Kaiden Morris; Ashton and Kensie Bailes; Caroline, Charlotte, and Savannah Alford; Bennett, Holden, and Davis Goff; Wade Smith; Hannah Grace and Sarah Brand; Patton, Sutton, and Britton Weeks; Cora Grace, Asher, and Cohen Billings; Gracie Leopard; Reynolds and Addie Grace Morris; and Collins Kelly Price.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Susan George Morris; and his brother, Grady Leopard.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Ninety Six First Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael How officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons. 

The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the church. 

Memorials may be made to the Saluda Nursing Home, 3131 Newberry Highway, Saluda, SC 29138. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff on the Riley Unit at the Saluda Nursing Home for their loving care.  

Willie Donald Leopard leaves behind a legacy of steadfast devotion, both to his family and his community. He will be remembered fondly for his hard work, his love of football, and the warmth he brought to those around him.