Leon Abraham Minsky

Ward Wilson Memory Hill Cemetery and Crematory

Viewed: 1053

Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Mar 17 2022 5:11 PM

On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, we lost a legend. Leon Abraham Minsky, a resident of  Dothan, Alabama, passed away. In his 80 years on this earth he was known and loved  by so many and never did he meet a stranger. Bringing joy to everyone he knew (and  many he did not) was effortless and certain. He was a genuine, funny, loving and  devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.  

“Lil Leon” was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana on November 27, 1941, to the late  Leon and Ellaine Minsky. After relentlessly testing them during his rambunctious  childhood, he attended Tennessee Military Institute in Sweetwater, Tennessee where he  made lifelong friends. He attended Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) and  became an entrepreneur early in life, leading to a fulfilling and diverse career always  highlighting his salesmanship, for which he was extraordinarily gifted.  

Leon was dedicated to the communities in which he resided over the years. For  example, he was a volunteer fireman in Louisiana, President and member of Temple  Emanu-EL, a Kiwanis Board member, and he loved to read to children as part of the  Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program. He was especially devoted to, deeply  committed and enthusiastically involved with Temple Emanu-EL. His faith in Judaism  was his foundation upon which a lifetime of giving, loving and kindness was built.  

“Uncle Lee” or “Papa Lee” as he was affectionately referred to by most, was a talented  cook, known far and wide for his Southern Charm Hot Sauce. He enjoyed BBQ-ing and  cooking for the masses- from 500 chicken halves for the Quarterback Club in Tallulah  to hundreds of matzo balls and potato latkes for the Synagogue in Dothan. Leon was so  many things: a brilliant host, accomplished traveler, volunteer, avid collector, advisor,  protector, ardent LSU Tiger fan (Geaux Tigers!), mentor, confidant and most  importantly, a fierce friend.  

Leon is survived by his wife Barbara Minsky and children Jerome Kirk Minsky, Marlo  (Scott) Urdahl, Laura "Lulu" Yanuck , and Erik Lewis Rofe; brothers Reynold (Carleen)  Minsky, and Louis (CeCe) Minsky and grandchildren Arthur West, Amanda Minsky,  Emma West, Matthew Yanuck, Evan Rofe, Leon Urdahl, Zachary Minsky, Lucy Layne  Urdahl, and Ryan Rofe, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Leon was preceded in death by his father, Arthur David Leon Minsky, his mother,  Ellaine (Meyer) Minsky, and an infant brother.  

The Funeral Service is at Temple Emanu-EL at 11 AM, Monday, March 21, 2022, with a  Celebration of Life Luncheon to follow service. Graveside Services will be held at 10 AM  Monday, at Memory Hill Cemetery.  

Honorary pallbearers are Jerome Minsky, Erik Rofe, Nick Cazana, Stuart Brown, Kit  Utz, Rob Goldsmith, Jack Blumenfeld and Larry Blumberg.  

Since flowers are not traditional at Jewish funerals, memorial contributions may be  made to Temple Emanu-EL; 188 N Park Ave, Dothan, AL 36303 or to your favorite  charity.

 

 

 

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