R. Leonard Harrill, of Glen Ridge, NJ, and Martha’s Vineyard, MA died on April 8, 2008, at Van Dyk Manor, Montclair, NJ. Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Leonard graduated from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina as First Battalion Commander, Cadet Captain. He went on to serve as a First Lieutenant, Coast Artillery Corps, and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, during World War II. Mr. Harrill moved to Montclair, New Jersey following his employment with Dan River Mills, where he served as a textile executive in charge of home goods. He retired in 1986 after 40 years of service. After the death of his wife of 47 years, Joycelyn Macfarlane Harrill, Mr. Harrill moved to Winchester Gardens, Maplewood. In 2004 he moved back to Charleston, SC, and married his childhood friend, Billie Doscher Smith. Following her death that same year, he returned to New Jersey. Briefly living in Pompton Plains, he lived with his daughter and her family for the past two years. Mr. Harrill who served as a trustee of the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs, MA, was a member of the East Chop Beach Club, Citadel Alumni Association, and Glen Ridge Congregational Church. Always ready with a story and a smile, he enjoyed 56 summers at the family home in Martha’s Vineyard. Survivors include his daughter, Kim Patterson and her husband Perry of Glen Ridge, his son, Ronald F. Harrill of Salisbury, NC; three grandchildren, Reed and Amy Patterson, and Ronald F. Harrill, Jr. He also leaves behind his dear friend, Betty Boykin Felder of Charleston, SC. A memorial service and interment will take place in Martha’s Vineyard at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in his memory to The Glen Ridge Congregational Church, Operation Mustard Seed, 195 Ridgewood Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 07026 or Union Chapel, P.O. Box 1164, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements by the O’BOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 309 Broad St., Bloomfield, N.J. 973-748-1246. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths. Published in the Charleston Post & Courier on 4/12/2008. Tags: 1943
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