Leo Robert LaVinka

Mr. Leo Robert LaVinka, age 86, of Cleveland, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021.

Mr. LaVinka was born in Live Oak, FL to the late Leo and Edna Huffman LaVinka.  In addition to parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Pounds, Sarah Thomas, and Lois Bredewater. Mr. LaVinka graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. He was a Civil Engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers for 37 years and proudly served his country in the US Air Force. 

Leo always enjoyed being with his family, fishing and watching old cowboy movies.  He taught each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren "Jesus Loves Me".  He enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood and ended every phone call with his children by saying, "Do right till the stars fall". 

Leo was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for many years. He authored four books, "Are You Ready", "Eternal Salvation", "Answered Prayers" and "Deacons and Their Wives".  He was very faithful in visiting and telling others about the Lord. 

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elsie LaVinka, Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Stacey LaVinka, Forsyth, GA; daughter, Jane Mitchell, Braselton; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ann and David Phillips, Skiatook, OK, and Rebecca and Michael Thomas, Bermuda Run, NC; grandchildren, Brie Jones, Mason Mitchell, Jacob LaVinka, Mackenzie LaVinka, Caden Lavinka, JD Phillips, and Parklynn Thomas; 5 great-grandchildren; and sister, Helen Money, Statesville, NC. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 P.M. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Zion Hill Baptist Church.  Rev. Nathan Nix, Dr. Don Richards, and Preacher Jack Hicks will officiate.  Interment will be held at Georgia National Cemetery.  

The family will receive friends from 12-2 P.M. Thursday at Zion Hill Baptist Church, prior to the service.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion Hill Baptist Church, PO Box 882 Cleveland, GA  or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, GA 706-865-3101.