Leonard Milam McGehee Jr., 87, of Eastaboga, Alabama, passed away on April 4, 2026, at his home with his family.

Milam was born in Alexander City and spent most of his adult life in Eastaboga, AL where he raised his family and was an active member of his church and community. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Milam McGehee Sr.; his mother, Lucille McGehee; his sister, Sue; and his son, John Pelham McGehee.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Frances McGehee; his children, Jannet McGehee, Mary Wier McGehee Roth (Yousef Parizad), William McGehee, and Connie McGehee (John Leonard); his grandchildren, Daniel, Nick, Magan, Emily, and Finn; and his great-grandchildren, Phoebe, Madelyn, and Fisher.

After graduating from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1956, he attended Jacksonville State University. He also served in the Talladega National Guard.

Milam spent his career primarily as a draftsman at the Anniston Army Depot and worked in many roles at the Talladega Superspeedway since it opened in 1969. In recognition of his years of dedication and service, an area of the speedway was named “Milam’s Corner” in his honor. He was also the leader of Boy Scout Troop 129 (sponsored by Eastaboga Methodist Church), helping several young men become Eagle Scouts.

Milam loved a good book and a good deal, often ordering in bulk from his catalogues. In his free time, Milam found peace in addressing a good challenge, specifically woodworking. He enjoyed working with his hands and took great pride in his craft.

He and his wife loved sharing their work at craft shows all over the southeast. Milam enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether working in the yard or fishing at his lake in Micaville.

Milam will be remembered for his hard work ethic, curious mind and the love he had for his family.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega, Alabama. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Craig Memorial Methodist Church in Eastaboga, Alabama. Burial will follow at Eastaboga Baptist Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Frank Dabbs, Forney Russ, Daniel Roth, Nick Roth, John Leonard and Yousef Parizad.

Honorary pallbearers will be William McGehee, Finn McGehee, Danny Roth, Bobby Green, Ronnie Brannon, Larry Allen, Ross Brown, Richard Wingo, and Tim Hurtado.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Milam’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org, by phone at 1-800-805-5856, or by mail at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Donations may also be made to Children’s of Alabama online at www.childrensal.org/foundation, and by mail at Children’s of Alabama Foundation, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, or to United Ability online at www.unitedability.org/give/.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.