Obituaries

Leonard "Gene" Proffitt

LEONARD "GENE" PROFFITT, 80, of Sherwood, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. He was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Hamlin, Texas to the late Leonard and Vera Benham Proffitt. Gene grew up in west Texas and California. He served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. Gene attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, The University of Wichita in Wichita, Kan. and received a degree from Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. Mr. Proffitt served as a Baptist Minister for a number of years before being employed in the trucking industry and finished his working years providing care and treatment for the developmentally disabled, the mentally disabled and geriatric persons in state hospitals in California. He was active in several outdoor activities including fishing and shooting sports. He was a member of two yacht clubs in southern California where he took part in sailboat racing, both as a participant and officiating for races. Gene was a Senior Race Officer and Judge for the United States Sailing Associating for about 10 years. He was also a member of the Silver Streaks Bowling League for seniors in Sherwood. In addition to his parents, Mr. Proffitt was preceded in death by his wife, Irma Proffitt. Mr. Proffitt is survived by his children, Robert Proffitt of San Diego, Calif., Shirley Leftwich of Chuckey, Tenn. and Paul Proffitt of Upland, Calif.; his beloved companion, Peggy Leishman of Sherwood; his brother, Larry Don Proffitt of Los Banos, Calif.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice; 14 Parkstone Circle; North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home and Crematory (501)982-2136. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

Published January 14, 2013

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