Mr. Bobby “Leland” Jennings, age 91, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024. He was a native of Rutherford County, TN and son of the late Bryant and Ethel Patterson Jennings. Leland proudly served his country in the United States Army. Upon completion of his military service, he earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Middle Tennessee State University. Leland worked for Samsonite until 1995 which began his successful retirement. He was an avid MTSU basketball fan. His kindness and patience served him well coaching boys’ Babe Ruth league baseball and his daughters’ Dolly League youth softball. He was a dedicated father who was supportive of all his daughters’ sporting events. Leland enjoyed fishing locally at Center Hill Lake and around the country in Alaska and the Florida Keys. He liked playing golf and the camaraderie that came along with it. Leland and his friends were a part of coffee groups where they solved all the world’s problems.
Leland’s smile was contagious. He was an avid woodworker building smaller furniture pieces and made stained glass windows. His backyard showed the fruits of his labor growing beautiful dahlias that he would share with his neighbors.
Leland is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Ray Jennings; daughters, Cindy Jennings “C.J.” Reeves and her husband John and Lee Ann Henry and her husband Bob; and he was “Poppy” to his grandchildren, Jennings Henry and his wife Courtney, Kate Hawkins and her husband Sam, and Justin Reeves. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, LTC Howard Biles, US Army.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 265 W. Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 in memory of Mr. Jennings.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 1:00pm at First United Methodist Church.
