Milford Leon (Sr.) Garmon

Mr. Leon Garmon of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 6, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. He was born on December 10, 1945, to Milford Leon Garmon Sr. and Wynell Cagle Garmon of Glencoe, Alabama.

Mr. Garmon earned a history degree from Samford University (formerly Howard College), where he also played football. It was during his time at Samford he met his wife of 55 years, Harriet Bolton Garmon. Mr. Garmon was a member of 12th Street Baptist Church. He loved the Lord Jesus and held deep respect for his country.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Major. As an elite soldier, he was an Army Ranger, an Airborne, and a Green Beret. He was in combat during Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and later served with the 101st Airborne Division and the 20th Special Forces Group. After active duty, he continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve and established the JROTC program in Etowah County.

Following his return from Vietnam, Mr. Garmon continued his education earning a law degree from Cumberland School of Law and practiced as a plaintiff’s attorney for nearly four decades. During college he worked at the Goodyear Tire Plant and his first legal job was in the Legal Relations department at the Steel Plant.  This strengthened his passion for serving the needs of the everyday blue-collar workers and protecting those that worked at the Goodyear Tire Plant and US Steel Plant in Gadsden as he fought against big corporations.  

Known as a “bulldog” in the courtroom, Mr. Garmon was recognized multiple times for his legal achievements, including being named Gadsden’s Best Attorney by Reader’s Choice. Mr. Garmon was also active in community fundraising and recognized as the top salesman with the Kiwanis Club, high school Touchdown clubs, and several other local youth programs.

He is survived by his wife Harriet; children Milford Leon Garmon III (Cam), Trenton Garmon, Leslie Garmon Butler, and Wesley Garmon; and ten grandchildren.

Mr. Garmon will be cremated, with a memorial service to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whorton's Bend Volunteer Fire Department, the local Kiwanis Club, or Etowah County Special Education Department in his honor.

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