Leon Hardeman, 87, of Rossville, Georgia, died on Monday, December 9, 2019, in a local health care facility.
Born June 6, 1932 in Ft. Payne, Al., Leon has lived in the Atlanta and North Georgia area for most of his life before moving to Rossville in 2012.
Leon was an All-American Football Star since his high school days at LaFayette High School, as well as The Baylor School and GA Tech. He went on to play for GA Tech in one Orange Bowl and two Sugar Bowls and in 1953 was named as MVP at the Sugar Bowl.
In 1952 he was voted as SEC Player of the Year, and All American. Leon played in two undefeated seasons under Coach Bobby Dodd. He has been inducted into five Halls of Fame including, the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia Tech Hall of Fame, Baylor School Hall of Fame, and the Chattanooga Old Timers Hall of Fame.
Leon was drafted by the Baltimore Colts but declined because he wanted to serve his country in the US Army. He proudly served in the US Army as first lieutenant stationed in Germany during which he coached a football team.
He was of the Baptist faith.
Leon had a 30-year career with Owens-Illinois, Forest Products Division retiring as national vice-president of the Southeast Region.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.L. and Sarah Hardeman; first wife, Susan Adams Hardeman, and daughter, Lynn King Hardeman.
Survivors are his wife, Margaret Williams Hardeman; three sons, David (Catherine) Hardeman, Atlanta, GA, Richard Hardeman, and Matthew (Caroline) Hardeman, all of Kennesaw, GA; step-son, Richard (Leslie) Helton, Chattanooga; brother, Ernest (Jeannie) Hardeman, LaFayette, GA; 7 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Reverend Wayne Williams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made to Hearth Hospice.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hearth Hospice and especially his nurse, Leona White for all of their love and care during Leon’s illness.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences and view the memorial tribute.