Leon Abraham Minsky

Leon Abraham Minsky - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Janet Byram Newsom 3/26/2022

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Leon Abraham Minsky - Madison Parish, Louisiana
November 27, 1941 ~ March 16, 2022 (age 80)

From Ward-Wilson Funeral Home Dothan, AL March 2022

On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, we lost a legend. Leon Abraham Minsky, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away. In his 80 years on this earth he was known and loved by so many and never did he meet a stranger. Bringing joy to everyone he knew (and many he did not) was effortless and certain. He was a genuine, funny, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

“Lil Leon” was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana on November 27, 1941, to the late Leon and Ellaine Minsky. After relentlessly testing them during his rambunctious childhood, he attended Tennessee Military Institute in Sweetwater, Tennessee where he made lifelong friends. He attended Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) and became an entrepreneur early in life, leading to a fulfilling and diverse career always highlighting his salesmanship, for which he was extraordinarily gifted.

Leon was dedicated to the communities in which he resided over the years. For example, he was a volunteer fireman in Louisiana, President and member of Temple Emanu-EL, a Kiwanis Board member, and he loved to read to children as part of the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program. He was especially devoted to, deeply committed and enthusiastically involved with Temple Emanu-EL. His faith in Judaism was his foundation upon which a lifetime of giving, loving and kindness was built.

“Uncle Lee” or “Papa Lee” as he was affectionately referred to by most, was a talented cook, known far and wide for his Southern Charm Hot Sauce. He enjoyed BBQ-ing and cooking for the masses- from 500 chicken halves for the Quarterback Club in Tallulah to hundreds of matzo balls and potato latkes for the Synagogue in Dothan. Leon was so many things: a brilliant host, accomplished traveler, volunteer, avid collector, advisor, protector, ardent LSU Tiger fan (Geaux Tigers!), mentor, confidant and most importantly, a fierce friend.

Leon is survived by his wife Barbara Minsky and children Jerome Kirk Minsky, Marlo (Scott) Urdahl, Laura "Lulu" Yanuck , and Erik Lewis Rofe; brothers Reynold (Carleen) Minsky, and Louis (CeCe) Minsky and grandchildren Arthur West, Amanda Minsky, Emma West, Matthew Yanuck, Evan Rofe, Leon Urdahl, Zachary Minsky, Lucy Layne Urdahl, and Ryan Rofe, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leon was preceded in death by his father, Arthur David Leon Minsky, his mother, Ellaine (Meyer) Minsky, and an infant brother.

The Funeral Service is at Temple Emanu-EL at 11 AM, Monday, March 21, 2022, with a Celebration of Life Luncheon to follow service. Graveside Services will be held at 10 AM Monday, at Memory Hill Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerome Minsky, Erik Rofe, Nick Cazana, Stuart Brown, Kit Utz, Rob Goldsmith, Jack Blumenfeld and Larry Blumberg.

Since flowers are not traditional at Jewish funerals, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-EL; 188 N Park Ave, Dothan, AL 36303 or to your favorite charity.