John William "J.W." Leavell died Friday, February 19, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Leavell was born in Newberry, South Carolina, on June 28, 1925 to the late Walter Rowland Leavell and the late Hassie Bolton Leavell Lipscomb. Mr. Leavell was a proud veteran of the US Army serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. He retired as manager of the Colonial Store and was owner of Leavell Lawn Mower Shop where he continued working his hobby until his health forced him to stop. He was a very faithful member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, served as treasurer of the Men's Sunday School Class which he enjoyed attending for many years and was also a member of Lutheran Men in Mission. He belonged to the American Legion Post 24. Additionally he enjoyed flying his airplane on Sunday afternoons. He was all about family, making sure that his family was always taken care of. He had great pride for his late wife's nursing career and skills and was ever so proud of his great grandchildren who called him "Gramps". Mr. Leavell was married to the late Julette West Leavell for 40 years. He is survived by granddaughters, Amy Frick Wicker (Daniel) and Miranda Frick Shealy (Kevin) all of Little Mountain; former son-in-law, Randy Frick of Little Mountain; great-grandchildren, Emma, Julianne and Brendan Wicker and Gracen and Grant Shealy; sisters-in-law, Nell Gantt, Mamie Longshore (Jimmy), Faye Powell, Grace West and Phonetta Leavell. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Brenda L. Frick, son Steve W. Leavell, and brothers, Wilson Leavell, Rowland Leavell, Jr., Henry Leavell and Harold Leavell. The family will be at J.W.'s home, 11967 US Hwy 121 and will receive family and friends there from 2:00 until 5:00 pm on Sunday. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, February, 22 at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer conducted by the Rev. Matthew Titus. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Memorials are requested to The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Growing in Grace Fund, 1515 Boundary Street Newberry, SC 29108 or to Newberry College, 2100 College St., Newberry, SC 29108. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, SC is assisting the family.