Francis Leonard Slaughter, a beloved resident of Asheville, North Carolina, for 55 years, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026.

Leonard was born in Helena, Arkansas, where he lived with his family until entering the United States Navy in 1958. During his service, he worked in aviation electronics, beginning a lifelong talent for understanding how things work and a gift for fixing them.

In 1961, he married the love of his life, Irene King Slaughter, and then moved to Mississippi. Together, they built a beautiful life spanning over 70 years, including nearly 65 years of marriage. They welcomed their first daughter, Kathy, in 1963 and made their home in Memphis, Tennessee, where Leonard continued his career in electronics.

In 1971, the family moved to Asheville, North Carolina, and joined Central United Methodist Church, where they have remained devoted members to this day. In 1973, they welcomed their second daughter, Gretchen.

While working full-time and raising a family, Leonard attended Western Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1975. He dedicated the remainder of his career to RCA and Tandy Corporation in Swannanoa, NC until retiring.

Leonard was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words mattered. He was steady, thoughtful, and deeply kind—dependable in every sense of the word. He took great pride in everything he did, from his work to his commitments to the relationships he built and cherished over a lifetime.

He was known for his meticulous nature and quiet discipline. Leonard approached life with care and intention, keeping records, tools, and even the smallest details thoughtfully organized—an expression of both his character and the pride he took in caring for his family and the life he built.

A true “handyman” to those who knew him, Leonard could fix or build just about anything. Whether working on airplanes, rebuilding cars and homes, or repairing electronics, he brought patience, skill, and quiet confidence to every task. People trusted him—not just for what he could help with, but for the steady, reliable way he showed up.

Leonard also had a deep love for the outdoors, which became a lasting gift to his family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, and backpacking, and shared these passions with his wife and daughters. Family adventures in the mountains began when his daughters were young—and that love of nature became a legacy that continues to this day.

One of Leonard’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren: Beckett Summerville, Henry Blackburn (and wife Lili), Gardner Blackburn (and wife Shelby), and Rachel Blackburn (and fiancé Lauren). He was always there to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and share stories, providing steady love and guidance throughout their lives.

He was deeply loved by his extended family, including his brother, Winky McAdoo, and his sisters, Wanda Satz and Sheila Long, along with their families and children, all of whom held a special place in his life. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Beauton Camille and Francis Henry Slaughter.

A man of service, Leonard gave generously of his time, volunteering for many decades with the American Red Cross, the Kiwanis Club, Habitat for Humanity, and his beloved Central United Methodist church.

More than anything, Leonard will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep love for his family and friends, and the quiet, unwavering way he cared for others. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the values he instilled, and the love he gave so freely.

A service and reception will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC. Memorials can be made to the church.