Leon Smalls, Sr., affectionately called “Sonnie” by family and friends, was born in Savannah, Georgia to the late John Grant and Agnes Smalls on January 15, 1944. They raised nine children, the fifth child being Leon Smalls, Sr. The other siblings are Mary-Jane Smalls (deceased), Georgia Brunson, Thomas Smalls (deceased), Ruther (Kitty) DeWitt, John Smalls, Mary Smalls (deceased), Rebecca Smalls (deceased), and Samuel Smalls.

Leon was educated in the Chatham County School system. He was known as a hard worker, capitalizing on the many skills he had such as mechanic, and masonry work just to mention a few. Leon spent years working in the shipping industry as a Merchant Seaman. But, before retiring he started his own trucking business, and as an owner/operator he lived up to the handle “Quiet Man!”
Leon pastime enjoyments included watching some of his favorite television show such as Westerns, old detective shows, and comedies. He loved to dance and could be seen breaking a move almost anywhere. Leon also enjoyed cooking. His favorite dish was his “red goulash” that he happily made for his children and grandchildren.

Leon met his teenage sweetheart and the love of his life Barbara Jean Robinson and married her on April 26, 1963. They were married for 57 years and raised nine children. Leon is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Phaedra Smalls and a son-in-law McKinley Habersham (Von).

Leon found something else very valuable to add to the blessings he was already experiencing through his family, he found the truth through God’s word the Bible. From these truths he developed a love for God and started to make changes in his life such as stopped smoking, and over drinking to please his heavenly father. Everyone knew Leon to be a shy man but, after learning many great things from the bible Leon was motivated to take a stand as a Jehovah’s Witness. He participated in meetings and the ministry demonstrating that he had dedicated his life to do God’s will. Leon was a part of the North Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He loved the brothers and sisters and thoroughly appreciated their loving support. Leon remained faithful to Jehovah until his death on August 13, 2020.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 57 years along with their children and grandchildren, great grandchildren. A host of other family and friends. As follows.

1)Van Mack Robinson (Cheryl) (1)Mack ll, (2)Devon.

2)Phaedra Smalls

3)Leon Smalls Jr.(1)Arkeen Smalls (Morgan), 1)Maliyah. By Brenda. (2)Jade Smalls, by Angie Smalls. (3) Chandler, (4)Chase Smalls.

4)Monica Smalls Wilson (Craig)

5)Sabrina King(Tony). (1) Jevon, 1)Dae’Veonna Stanley, 2)Drae’Onnah Stanley, 3)Drayvon Stanley,by Tiera. (2)Philip (3)Montel (Daiwon) 1) Saige. (4)Pebbles, by Robert.

6)Leron Smalls, (1) Paij, (2) Jakari, (3) Leron Jr. By Sheba Smalls.

7)Latesha Habersham

(1)Kwamen, (2)Mckinley Jr.,(3) Ivonna, by Von Habersham deceased.

8)Avis Smalls Norris (Greg ll) (1)Deashia , (2)Greg III.

9)Nievea Smalls Bowles (Edwin) (1)Emaury, (2)Emondre, (3)Emoni,(4) Emora.

Leon’s memories will be cherished by his beloved wife, daughters, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Expressions by

Barbara:  My husband was my confidant.  I could talk to him about anything, and I knew he wanted to resolve any issues. He was very interested in caring for me and our children right down to the very end!  I’m looking forward to seeing him again!

Van:  Pops taught me the value of marriage and family life and showed us all an example of being a good provider. He wanted us all to finish high school. He also taught us to look after and protect our siblings. I appreciate the many things I learned from him verbally or by example.

Leon Jr:  Dad encouraged me to work hard for what I needed and he taught me a lot about trucking.

Monica:  I’m happy I got to spend a lot of time with Daddy down to the end. I remember Daddy telling me he loved Jehovah and wanted to serve him for the rest of his life! The same was true with Mom.  He was locked in and determined to care for her and he instilled in me the desire to take care of her at an early age. These words will comfort me until I see him again!

Sabrina:  To me my Dad was a Hero. He was truly a Family Man. He was always a protected provider, loving caring supporter of all of us. I always felt my Dad was the strongest man I knew. My Dad had love for everyone. Loved to dance. The last time I saw Dad working he was dancing, and that’s what I will always remember. I’m gonna miss him so much!

Leron:  With few words Dad taught me to go at any task, no matter how big, or unfamiliar, examine it, break it down, fix it and put it back together. This has made me think outside the box and feel like I can do anything or repair anything. For this I am grateful, and I want to apply this in all facets of my life!

Latesha:  My Superman, My Dance Machine, My Everything!!!! Will forever remember him as the Greatest Father. I will forever remember the love, affection, and everything you taught me.

Avis:  My Dad was my protector, provider, hero and my everything. My Dad was a hard worker and always put his family first. He will be forever missed and loved.

Nievea:  I never knew a man as strong and protective as my Dad. It didn’t matter what I was afraid of as a child. It could’ve been a giant, a bug, or a bad dream. He was there to protect me from it. I always felt so safe knowing he was there. I always could count on him being there. Best Dad ever 

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