Lenard Joseph "Skip" Spooner

Leonard Joseph "Skip" Spooner, 80, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026. Born on August 31, 1945, in Bainbridge, Georgia, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph Colquitt (Carl) Jr. and Marie Estelle Ridlehoover Spooner.

Skip grew up in Donalsonville, Georgia, where he graduated from Seminole County High School and was voted "Best All Around" by his graduating class. A gifted athlete, he played baseball, football, and basketball in high school and developed a lifelong love of sports. As a boy, he played in the Little League World Series and was voted Most Popular Player. He later attended the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business while also playing baseball for the Bulldogs.

His education was interrupted by the Vietnam War. Skip helped the United States Air Force construct an air base in Tuy Hoa, South Vietnam. Having grown up working in his father's highway construction business, he was skilled in operating heavy equipment and trained others in its use. He then returned to the University of Georgia and earned his Juris Doctor degree in June 1970. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he later received a fellowship to continue his studies at the University of Georgia, where he earned a Master's degree in Labor Law. He also pursued numerous personal interests throughout his life, including EMT certification, photography, and aviation.

Skip dedicated his professional life to the practice of law and became a highly respected labor attorney. During his years in Albany, Georgia, he served as President of the Dougherty County Bar Association, a member of the State Bar of Georgia's Board of Governors, and held numerous other leadership positions. He later moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where he continued practicing labor law and built a reputation for his integrity, legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to his clients.

After retiring from his law practice, Skip joined the faculty at Clemson University, where he taught in the business school and was a popular lecturer. His students admired his practical wisdom, engaging teaching style, and remarkable ability to bring the law to life through stories and real-world experiences. Many described him as an outstanding professor whose classes were both educational and unforgettable.

A devoted member of Buncombe Street Methodist Church, Skip faithfully served his church community over the years, including as president of The Roundtable Sunday School class.

Skip was a true Southern humorist and master storyteller. Whether sharing memories of growing up in a small South Georgia town, recounting adventures from his professional life, or embellishing a tale just enough to make it better, he had a unique gift for making people laugh. His stories, warmth, and wit brought joy to countless family members, friends, colleagues, students, and even strangers. He possessed a rare ability to make everyone feel welcome and entertained.

Outside of work, Skip embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, and spending time outdoors. He earned his pilot's license and proudly scored a perfect 100 on his written exam. After becoming disoriented on an early solo flight and navigating home by following local roads, he laid down his license and decided his flying career had reached its conclusion. In his younger years, he enjoyed competitive motocross racing and remained an avid supporter of Georgia Bulldogs football and the Atlanta Braves throughout his life. His loyal Labrador Retriever, Karetha, was often by his side, including at his desk while practicing law.

More than any accomplishment, Skip treasured time spent with family and close friends, sharing good meals, laughter, and conversation. He was generous, compassionate, and always willing to help others in times of need.

Skip is survived by his loving and devoted partner, Leanne Fuller of Greenville, SC; his son, Casey Spooner of Berlin, Germany, and his mother Carole Raines Spooner; his brother, Charles (Deborah) Spooner of Jacksonville, Florida; his brother-in-law, Larry Shoemaker of Donalsonville, Georgia; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat Shoemaker.

A graveside service for immediate family and close friends will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Donalsonville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, Skip requested that memorial contributions be made to The Humane Society or a charity of one's choice.

Leanne, Casey, and Charles wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital for their compassionate care, as well as to the many friends who supported Skip through visits, phone calls, and steadfast friendship over the years.

Though he is no longer with us, Skip's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the students he inspired, the friends he cherished, and the unforgettable stories he leaves behind.