In Memory of Leo Brevard

2008 Tree Farmer of the Year Leo Brevard

December 20, 1921 - December 22, 2013

Leo Donald Brevard, North Carolina’s 2008 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, died peacefully on December 22, 2013 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor Greene Brevard; his daughters Roxanna Hoffman of Marion, N.C. and her husband Terrill A. Hoffman, and Dinah Mann of Raleigh, N.C. and her husband Stephen Mann; and three grandchildren.

Mr. Brevard’s education at Appalachian State Teachers College was interrupted when he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marines. He served proudly with the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion in the Pacific Theater during World War II. First Lieutenant Brevard participated in the amphibious landings at Iwo Jima where he went on to command Company "A" during the battle. At the end of World War II, Mr. Brevard resumed his education at Appalachian, where he earned a B.S. degree in Biology and History, and played left guard for the Mountaineers football team. His career as a biology teacher and coach was interrupted by the Korean War when he was recalled to active duty and served as an instructor at Camp Lejeune. Mr. Brevard returned to teaching but continued to serve his country with the rank of Major in the Marine Corps Reserve. He completed his career at South Mecklenburg High School when he retired in 1983.

While steadfast in his duty to his country and dedicated to his teaching career, Mr. Brevard's passion was forestry. He and his wife began acquiring land in McDowell County in the early 1960s. For more than 45 years, Mr. Brevard spent his spare time initiating forest management to improve the quality of the family forest. As a Certified Tree Farmer and Forest Stewardship Program participant, he felt that it was his purpose to improve the property not only for timber production, but also for wildlife, recreation and conservation.