Leonard Lynn Jr. “JP” was born on June 8, 1960, to Leonard Lynn Sr. and Carrie C. Myrick. He was a devoted member of St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend F.G. Hilton.

Leonard and his family later moved to New York, where he began his education at P.S. 39 in the Bronx. After the passing of his mother when he was 10 years old, he returned to Tampa and reunited with his church family at St. John, where his father, Leonard Sr., was later ordained as a Deacon. Leonard attended Hillsborough County Public Schools and graduated from C. Leon King High School as a member of the Class of 1979.

Leonard had a deep love for New York City. Whenever he had the opportunity, he would travel there, especially to cheer on his beloved New York Knicks. He enjoyed riding the “A” train to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station to experience the excitement of the games firsthand. A naturally competitive athlete, Leonard gave his all on the basketball court. After stepping away from basketball, he discovered a passion for bowling and became an avid bowler, proudly maintaining an impressive 185 average.

Professionally, Leonard worked at Busch Gardens, the University of South Florida, and later at Moffitt Cancer Center, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. In addition to his employment, Leonard was a talented entrepreneur who earned a respected reputation throughout the community for his exceptional painting skills and craftsmanship.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents Leonard Lynn Sr. and Carrie C. Lynn; stepmother Mary E. Lynn; grandparents Lillia “Sweet” Myrick-Mosley (Fred Mosley) and Norton Lynn (Mary D. Lynn); and uncles Willie Myrick and James Lynn (Mattie Lynn).

Leonard leaves to cherish his memory his children: sons Sean Jackson and Thomas Copeland Jr.; daughter Chenelle Copeland; goddaughter Ja’Kayla Edison; siblings Timothy C. Myrick Sr., Terry D. Myrick, Tonya Lynn-Smiley (Alfred Smiley), Edward Ford, Angela Candis-Wilfalk (Mark Wilfalk), and Jermaine Lynn (Shawntavia Fleurijean); and first cousin Craig Deljuan Myrick-Collins.

He also leaves behind his aunts Janie Collins-Knox, Carol Dubison-Myrick, Pauline Williams, Mary Hunter Williams, Winnie Faye Jones, and Irene Green (Timothy Green).

Leonard is also survived by his sister-in-law Tscharner Ryder Myrick; nieces Tamika Walker (Jerome Walker Sr.), Tscharner Sade Lynn (LaDarius Goggins), Brandi Myrick, Shunte Ford, and Tudy Lynn; and nephews Kevin Miller (Wanakee Miller), Jason Myrick (Rhea Myrick), Timothy “T.C.” Myrick, Jajwuan Lynn, Carey Goodwin, Corey Toawicha, and David Baker.

He leaves cherished grandnieces Jenesis Walker, Nevaeh Allen, Raelyn Lynn, Troi Barnes, Heavenly Myrick, Jay’Da Page, and Brielle Toawicha; and grandnephews Maurice Perkins (Emily Perkins), Darius Rogers, Jerome Walker Jr., Bayani Myrick, Zachary Myrick Miller, and Corey Page Jr.

Leonard also leaves special cousins Mary Gilliard, Carrie Myrick Rhanes (Melvin Rhanes), Leslie Dubison, and Randy Dubison; dear friends Leontyne Goosbye, Gloria Williams-Pendleton, and Michael Gardner; families Graham and Hill.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his nephew, Jason Myrick, who faithfully stood by Leonard’s side, taking him to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, and providing unwavering support. Special thanks are also extended to Audrey Edwards and Shawtwan Allen for their continuous love and support.