Harry James McLeod, Jr. (83) of The Villages, FL, formerly of Effingham

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Published on November 2 2023 7:55 am

Harry James McLeod, Jr, passed away at the age of 82, on Oct. 21, 2023 in Florida. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Betty Smith McLeod, of The Villages, Florida, to whom he was married for 63 years.

The McLeods have three children, Colleen Alderman, husband Shannon, Springfield, IL; James McLeod, wife Becky, Effingham, IL; and Victoria Layton, husband Tony, Chattanooga, TN. Harry was the proud grandfather to 9, Austin (fiancée Erin) and Alene Alderman; Andy (Alicia), Kayla (Michael Finley), and Zachary (Ashley) McLeod; Melissa Westjohn, Tiffany (Tyson Emmerich), Megan (Rourke Schultz), and Lauren (Austin Axley). He had 15 great-grandchildren. He loved his family with his whole heart. He has a sister, Kay McLeod Goddard and brother Lloyd Nickels.

He was preceded in death by his father Harry James McLeod, Sr. and mother, O’Linda McLeod Nickels, stepfather Lloyd Nickels, stepbrother Roy Nickels and stepsister Loretta Grove and 3 grandchildren.

He worked 40 years for CIPS/Ameren Illinois (formerly Central Illinois Public Service), which took his family to many towns in Illinois including Jerseyville, Beardstown, Havana, Effingham and Carbondale. He was a very active member of his church in each of these communities and a volunteer of many organizations of the communities in which he lived. Including holding the honor of Citizen of the Year in Carbondale, IL. He was President of many Chambers of Commerce and helped start the Clean and Green Committee in Carbondale, IL. He was a man of devout faith which he proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. Harry enjoyed fishing, golfing, pickle ball, traveling, and dancing. Harry had a huge heart and he loved making people laugh, especially his family. Upon retirement, he and Betty moved to The Villages, Florida.

A celebration of his wonderful life will be held in early 2024. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Dr, The Villages, FL 32162. For the Youth Mission Trip.