Leon Bidez Catlett, III

Unknown - Nov 29th, 2011

Birth Date: Unknown
Death Date: Nov 29, 2011
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
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Biography: Leon Bidez Catlett, III, age 40, passed away, Tuesday, November 29, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. He was born December 14, 1970 in Little Rock, AR to Leon B. Catlett, II and Carol B. Furo Fisher. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Helen Ferrell Catlett; his grandfather, Robert E. Catlett Sr.; his uncle, Robert E. Catlett, Jr., his cousin, Melissa Catlett and grandmother, Marcia Rae Hughes. He was a graduate of Hall High School, attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and was the owner of Color Field a design company known for hand painting and faux finishes in Savannah, GA. He is remembered for his passion and unconditional devotion to a plethora of philanthropic causes that enriched the lives of so many. He served in leadership positions including, Vice Chairman of the board for Legacy Council and Founders Cottage; sat on the Ryan White Planning Council Board and the AIDS Interfaith Network. He will be deeply missed but kept alive in our hearts always. Leon is survived by his parents, Leon B. Catlett, II and wife, Roxanne of Little Rock and Carol B. Furo Fisher and husband, Kenneth of Plano, TX; brothers, C. Cori Catlett and wife, Christy and Aaron Fisher both of Little Rock; sisters, Kasey Fisher of Dallas, TX and Marcia Catlett Goodloe of Little Rock; grandmother, Betty Butler and husband, Houston of Searcy, AR; grandfather, Sammy Furo and wife, Kay of Hot Springs, AR; grandfather, Bobby Dean Hughes of Jacksonville, AR; aunts and uncles, Alix Matthews and husband, James P., Betty Pullam and husband, Joe, Dorsey De Salvo and husband, Mark, Amy Furo Horner and husband, Chris, Tricia Furo Leovich and her son, Parker D. Leovich , Renee Nolen and husband, Ronald, Rhonda Turner and husband, Andrew, Sam Furo and Adam Furo; cousins, Liz New and husband, Chris, Jay Pullam, Catherine Curran, Joe Matthews, James Matthews, Helen Matthews, Nicholas De Salvo, Alix Matteson and husband, George, Sara Smith and husband, Will, Ben Bond, Walter Catlett and wife, Suzanne, Michael Catlett and Robert Catlett; niece, Bryce Holland Goodloe and nephew, Tosh Chiles Goodloe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 Tyler St., Little Rock, AR on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Resource Center, P.O. Box 190869, Dallas, TX 75219 and Arkansas Children?s Hospital, 800 Marshall St., Little Rock, AR 72202. The family will receive friends at 6 Broadview Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(37)

Lisa Conway Francis

#37

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I just learned of Leon's passing. So sorry for your loss. I can see the boy I knew in his smile. A life cut way too short...

Brent J. Pimentel, MD/MPH

#36

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon was never without his smile, and that always made our committee meetings brighter. Also, often I would look over across the room and realize yet again how much I wanted to raid his closet for some of his amazing jackets! It truly makes me sad he is no longer going to be there.

Melba Munnerlyn

#35

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sympathy goes to Leon's extended family. Betty Catlett Pullam is my dear neighbor who has been so kind to me. I know that Leon must have been as wonderful as Betty is.

Jane Fitzpatrick

#34

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon, Thank you for your dedication and tireless commitment to the Dallas community. Your hard work and love for others did not go unnoticed.

Mark Hayes

#33

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon you are so missed. I get up every morning expecting you SUV to be there. It not! Your are so loved by so many!!!

Ritchie Maffia

#32

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon, was Such a Bright Shiny Person.. he always made sure he didnt pass you without saying something nice, or hugging you.
Leon Cared about Everybody.
The GLBT Community Will Truly Miss Him.
I Know I will..
My Condolences To Leon's Family, and Closest Friends.
Find Peace in Knowing That Leon Lives in Each One of the Lives he has Touched.

Benjamin M. Martinez

#31

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I had the privilege of working with Leon for the Dallas County Ryan White Planning Council. For three years, he and I were seated together in the council meetings. Sometimes, during the meetings, Leon would have a funny comment, write it down and share it with me, hoping to make me laugh during the meeting... And sometimes, he was successful! Leon touched the lives of thousands of people in the Dallas area and beyond. He was a committed, hardworking, volunteer, who will be greatly missed! Leon, thank you for all your work!

Gregg Gunter

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am the Chairman of one of the committees that Leon sat on for the Ryan White Planning Council of Dallas. Several of his friends were in a meeting when we heard the news of his death. We were stunned and saddened and all kind of looked at each other and wondered whether we should continue on with the meeting. We were all speechless, but we continued our meeting in his honor. Last Thursday, World AIDS Day, several events were dedicated in his memory, for all the tireless work that he did for the Dallas HIV community. The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Leon and I worked together to ensure that the clients of the Legacy Cottage received a huge food donation for their Thanksgiving meal. Leon made a huge impact on the lives that he touched and on our Dallas community. He will be greatly missed, but will always be remembered.

Jeff Minor

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am in shock and horribly saddened by this news. Leon was a friend. He always made me laugh. He was one of the most caring people I think I ever met. Quick wit and such a great personality. I will miss our talks.

donald armstrong

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

he was one of the nicest persons i have had the chance to know - my condolences to his family.

Michael Chau

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To GOD our existence is a mere blink of His eye and during that time Leon has filled it up with causes and people that were dear to his heart.I was fortunate enough to be part of that time and found Leon to be warm,loving and caring and I will keep that close to my heart until the day I get to rejoice on the day I get to see Him again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Leon! I love you and you will be missed deeply.

Nancy K Rollins

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon and family,I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your son. I pray that you will find the strength you need to deal with the loss of your child. I cannot even begin to imagine your pain but will keep you in my prayers

Christopher Wilson

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

He was such a sweet gentle soul and I am just heart broken over his passing. I will miss my FRIEND and will always remember the good times that we had. Rest in Peace Leon.

I love you !!!!

mikael andrews

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

leon will be sorely missed by everyone he touched in the special way that only he could.

E. Morgan Millican III

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm one of Leon's new friend, having known him for just a year. I volunteer with him often at the Resource Center of Dallas Food Pantry. Leon and I hit it off from the start, making me laugh with that beautiful smile, eyes, and his dry wit. Leon would always find the time to talk to me. During this year, Leon was kind and caring when I lost my partner Troy to cancer in September.....giving me words of support and encouraging me to carry on through my grief. He was completely dedicated to helping people!!! Leon would always tease me with his "sense of humor" which I will miss!! I know he is in a safe place, and my partner was there to greet him!!!!
Leon, Luv ya!!!

Robert L Camina

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. Leon's eyes and smile always lit up the room. I will miss that devilish grin. Leon, thank you for all the work you did.

brad crawford

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

i am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to you and all of your family.I pray that God gives you strength at this very difficult time.

Skyla Jackson

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am very sad to hear about the loss of my friend Leon. He was always so positive when we worked together and just a good person. He will truly be missed! Love and Miss you!

Peter Gebhardt

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I first met Leon when I was volunteering at the Hot Meals program, and I was helping him pick up bakery in the morning. He had a very wicked sense of humor, which I appreciated immediately, and he was droll fun, straight from the start. Then I met him again, when I started volunteering at the Food Pantry on Thursdays. Watching him check people in, with love and caring, and humor, really helped me understand what a huge heart he had for everyone. He would never forget to give Miss Doris a hug at Hot Meals, or give me a "hey" whenever he saw me. Leon really dedicated his whole life to RCD. He was a "lifer", and everybody knew it, and lived him for it. I will surely miss seeing his wry smile at the Food Pantry, along with everybody else!

Laura Barnett Weatherford

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so saddened to learn of his passing. My heart is heavy knowing your great loss. Leon was the best friend anyone could have and even though we lost touch, I can remember his smile full of laughter like it was yesterday! He was always there for you when you needed a friend and we always had a great time. Way to soon......way to soon!

Kris Richard Bailey

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I met Leon two days before The New Year... What time I spent with him..he changed my life...his passion and love for others inspired me to be a better man.. He will be missed and loved by many.. Leon was loved by many and I know God will be holding him in his arms tonight and every day after..! Till we meet again Leon.. You will always be a part of me and live on. I Loved You Leon Kris

David Barker

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kitty McArthur

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mr. C, I am so sorry to hear about "Little Leon". He sure was a spice of life and truly one of a kind. He was always so nice to me. You just don't forget people like that. How blessed you are to have him for a son. I pray that your heart will be comforted by everyone's words of love and kindness towards/about him. Love, Kitty

Phillip Archer

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon was my neighbor for a while and an ever-present lite at each and every event we bumped into each other at. I will treasure his smile - but most of all I am grateful for the conversations we had at the table on my back patio. This man was singular, there will never be another, and we are grateful to have had him in our lives. The world is a better place for the part that Leon played in it. Love & peace dear friend.

Jules Viner-Murphy

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

OH how saddened my heart is...
Leon was such a special person! He did a lot for me...more than he will ever know.
I am so extremely sorry for your loss. My heart aches.
Leon always could make me laugh in the times I needed most and was a dear friend. We lost touch after he moved from LR, but I will NEVER forget the joyous laughter and his outlook on life.
May the Lord cradle you at this time.
Jules

Peggy & Curt Moody

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our prayers are for Little Leon for his peace in heaven and for the family to receive comfort during this time of great loss.

David Andrews

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Such an amazing treasure...taken much too soon !! My thoughts are with the family, who I know are aware of what an amazing impact Leon made in so many lives !! I feel very blessed to have had him in mine.

Richard and Stephanie Scott

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon, Cori and family, We are so saddened by your loss and our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. I know the love for a child and the loss of a loved one, but also that Our Lord and Father welcomes us in his arms with peace and everlasting serenity. We are here for you.

Tony Key

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My dear friend Leon. What a special person to me. I know he was put in my life for too many reasons to list.
I will miss him greatly, but I know that he will always be here with me. "Rock On"

MerriGay Fritz

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It was my sincere pleasure to know and work with Leon. I will miss him dearly.

bo dolan

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

World is a little less balanced with out little leon.

Sara Hawkins-Riley and Sebia Hawkins Dunbar

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Leon, Roxanne, and Carol,

I am shocked to read about Leon's passing and very sorry for your loss. I came to this site to find out about our childhood pastor Dick Hardie,a lion of social justice and big influence on Sebia and I growing up. I am so sorry for your loss. Breaks my heart. You all will be in our hearts and thoughts as you grieve his loss. I pray for Grace and Peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ to be with you all. Love, Sebe and Sara Hawkins

Pam Cheney

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Leon was such a kind man! I was a neighbor of Leon's and he always made a point to stop and talk and give a big hug.

Larry Cook

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so sorry to hear of Leon's passing. Leon lived life to the fullest. Everytime our paths crossed, he always had a smile and made me happy to know I could call him my friend. He will be missed by all who had the great pleasure to know him.

Paul Miller

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

May those that knew Leon find peace in their memories of him.

Allen Peden

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It was a true honor to work with Leon at the Ryan White Council of North Texas. He was an endless source of insight and wisdom.

As a friend, he was always quick witted and the source for amazing conversation.

Knowing him the short time I did and feeling the sense of loss I do, I know that those that had the privilege to know him for years must truly be truly suffering.

I don't think he would want the tears but for someone to cover his meetings and make sure his work that was always paramount to him is carried on at his same demanding level of quality and spirit. So few lives inspire and Leon's did and his works will be carried on for him because that's what family does.

Keith Marin

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

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