Ira Lawayne “Wayne” Leak passed peacefully on November 28, 2024 following a lengthy illness. Through the last few years, no matter what he endured, he never lost his sense of humor. A life-long resident of Arab he graduated from Arab High School in 1961. After two years at the University of Alabama he returned to Arab and married the love of his life, Glenda Jo Green, with whom he spent the next sixty-one years.
Wayne was a successful businessman, operating Leak Auto Parts before he joined Glenda in the real estate and property management business, first as Leak Realty and later with Century 21. He loved working in his garden and his yard. Planting, pruning, mowing and weed eating, he was constantly making his place in the world a little more beautiful. He loved having family and friends gathered at this home where he and Glenda made everyone feel welcome. At these gatherings his cutting wit was second only to his willingness to quietly clean the kitchen while everyone else had a good time. He often built elaborate cardboard castles for the kids to play in and he was the champion egg dyer each Easter for several decades running. He will be missed.
Wayne is survived by Glenda and his son Joe Lawayne Leak, daughter-in-law Leigh Preuitt Leak and his two favorite people in the world: his granddaughters Caroline Frances Leak and Virginia Merritt Leak Delk (Price). During the last years of his life Wayne was cared for by Charles “Kemo” Carson and McKenzie Dellacasa, who became like family to him. Words cannot express our gratitude for their kindness, compassion, and support.
