Leonard Monroe Gavin, Jr.

Leonard (Len) M. Gavin, Jr. peacefully went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on May 31, 2023. He was wrapped in love by his wife, Vickie. Len fought a brave and long battle with cancer after being exposed to agent orange in Vietnam. He was born on February 21, 1946 to Leonard M. Gavin, Sr. and Winifred Petway Gavin at St. Vincent Hospital. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters-Betty Joe Bishop, Barbara Mead, and Carolyn Crowson. Len leaves to cherish his loving memory, Vickie his wife of 30 years, and sons Allen Gavin (Maxine), Geoffrey Gavin (Hollye), Dr. Dillon Casey (Anna Catherine) and Aaron Gavin; four grandchildren, Ava Gavin, Rose Gavin, Stella Gavin and Walker Casey; In-laws, Gene and Carole Walker; brothers-in-law Gene Walker II (Heather), Jerry Mead (Jenesa), and Paul Crowson (Starr) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Len was raised in East Lake. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1964 and Auburn University in 1968. While at Auburn he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. Over the past few years, he has had a great time at the Orange Beach reunions. In 2022, Len received the honor as the Ford Game Day Hero for his exemplary military service career and was honored on the field during a time out break at Jordan-Hare Stadium. War Eagle! After graduating from Auburn University, Len enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served a tour in Vietnam, as a Company Commander, on Hill 37 in Dialock. Following his active duty military service, Len returned to Alabama and joined the Alabama Army National Guard. Lieutenant Colonel Gavin’s leadership took him on various missions including Japan, Germany, and Panama. He completed 26 years of service and his last assignment was as the Inspector General for the Corps Support Command (COSCOM). He received numerous Military Service Decorations and Awards. Returning to Birmingham in 1975, he joined the Birmingham Police Department and later was the Director of UNDO-United Narcotics Detail Operations. Len was offered a job to introduce an aspiring political presidential candidate to the State of Alabama. Len had the honor to taking George H. W. Bush throughout the state including meeting people and kissing babies. Len was the fourth person hired to the staff and was Regional Campaign Manger for Alabama, Florida. Tennessee, and Kentucky. Len’s next adventure was as the Director of Security for Big B Drugs with the Bruno Family. In 1991, Len took a position on Governor Hunt’s Cabinet as the Director of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Next, Len went back to politics and worked for the Alabama Republican Party. He held various positions; truly excelling in numerous campaigns with grassroots strategies. He did local, county, and state wide campaigns. Leaving politics behind he completed a Master of Ministry with St. Michael’s Seminary and was ordained a priest with the Anglican Church. For over 14 years he was the staff chaplain at Princeton Baptist Hospital. During this time he was instrumental in developing a program focused on supporting grieving families experiencing neonatal and premature infant death. He was also one of the founders of Princeton Baptist Hospital Palliative Care Program. He ministered to numerous families and guided many patients in their path to heaven. Len was assigned as the Chaplain at Princeton Towers, an independent living facility and was the Rector for the Anglican Church of the Most Scared Heart. Some outreach programs the church provided was a local food bank, soup kitchen, and vacation bible school for neighborhood children. After retiring from Princeton, Len was given the opportunity to be the Director of Discovery Clubs with Jimmie Hale Mission. Discovery Clubs is an after school ministry for thousands of children across the greater Birmingham area, ages 2nd-5th grades. Len was called Coach by many young men and women in the West End area where he started Princeton Lacrosse. The team started out as a Under 11 team and grew to Under 13 and high school teams—both girls and boys. He emphasized teaching teamwork both on and off the field. Through Lacrosse, several of his former players went on to receive athletic scholarships to play at the collegiate level. A few of these individuals would become the first members of their household to attend college. Len was affiliated with numerous organizations including: U.S. Marine Corps Association, Vietnam Veterans Association—Chapter 419, American Legion—Post 911, Veterans of Foreign Wars—Post 668, Auburn Alumni Association, Delta Chi Fraternity, U.S. Lacrosse Association, Association of the Immaculate Conception, National Guard Association, Alabama, Chaplain Association, Blue Star Salute Foundation, and Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery. Len was truly a prodigal son. During the final phase of his life, he returned to the Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Bessemer, Alabama. He was a faithful servant of Our Lord and Savior and had a unique talent as a teacher of the faith and never met a stranger. Len was loved by many as a friend and mentor; he will be greatly missed. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and deep gratitude to Dr. John Piede, Melissa, Karen, Courtney, and the staff at Alabama Oncology at the Bruno Cancer Center. Also, the great care provided by Affinity Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Len Gavin to Discovery Clubs, located at 1449 Medical Park Drive South, Birmingham, Alabama 35213 or by visiting their website: discoveryclubs.org. Services are provided by McCalla Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, June 9, 2023 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church; 751 Academy Drive, Bessemer, Alabama Visitation at 10 am followed by Mass at 11am and Burial at 2pm at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, Alabama

Leonard Monroe Gavin, Jr.

February 21, 1946 - May 31, 2023