Durward Leonard Gafford, 74, died peacefully at Haven Hospice on April 29, 2014, with family by his side. Leonard was born October 3, 1939, in Camilla, Georgia, to Durward Leonard Gafford, Sr. and Magdolin Jones Gafford Davis. Leonard graduated from Columbia High School, Class of 1957, and attended the University of Florida. Leonard retired from the Florida Department of Transportation as District Maintenance Management Engineer after 36 years. Leonard was "Coach Gafford" for numerous sports at the Boys Club of Columbia County and a past President. He was also the voice of the CHS Tigers for several years. Leonard was predeceased by his parents and stepfather, Clyde Davis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda Burns Gafford, sons Darren Lawrence Gafford (Melanie) and Gregory Burns Gafford (Georgette Mayle); grandchildren Micala, Jaxon, Joshua, Darren Lawrence Gafford, Jr., and step-grandson Joshua Johns; brother Frank Merrill Gafford (Julie), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2014, at 3:00 P.M., at St. James Episcopal Church with The Rev Douglas G. Hodson as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, April 30, 2014, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to St. James Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice. Internment will follow at a later date. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida 32025. (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family online at www.gatewayforestlawn.com