HOPE, LEONARD J.

Leonard Joseph “L.J.” Hope, 84, of Dalton, died Monday morning, March 10, 2008 at his residence.

Leonard was born May 8, 1923 in Wylusing, Pa. He served his country honorably, being a veteran of World War II and a member of the Marine Raiders Battalion, an elite group he joined at the age of 16.

He was the son of the late, Joseph and Ellen Hope and was preceded in death by his brothers, James Hope, John Hope; sisters, Rita Meier, Grace Weidner.

Mr. Hope is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary Nell Pratt Hope of Dalton; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Timmy Gazaway of Chatsworth, Vickie and Phillip Bohannon of Statesboro, Ga.; grandchildren, Bridgette and Adam Anderson, Jeff Gazaway, Dylan Gazaway, John Bohannon, Jessica Bohannon and Jamie Bohannon; great-grandchildren, Skylar Gazaway, Jordi Gazaway and Gavin Anderson.

Celebration of life services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home with the Rev. James Boyd officiating.

Burial will follow in West Hill Cemetery with John Bohannon, Jeff Gazaway, Dylan Gazaway, Adam Anderson, Clay Harden and Daniel Duke serving as pallbearers and George Clark and Arvil Cochran serving as honorary pallbearers. American Legion Post 112 will be in charge of graveside rites.

The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave. (across from Hamilton Medical Center) Dalton is in charge of arrangements.