Leland Stoddard

Anderson, SC - Leland Crumpton Stoddard, 88, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2013 at his home in Anderson. He was the Patriarch of his family, providing unyielding love and support at all times to everyone around him. Born in Fountain Inn, SC, he was the son of the late Frank and Bertha Stoddard. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served during WWII. After the war, he graduated from Clemson University and earned a banking graduate degree from Indiana University. He began his banking career as manager of the Fountain Inn Federal Savings and Loan Association and later became President of Mutual Savings and Loan in Greenwood, SC.  Anderson Savings and Loan Association brought him and his family to Anderson in 1976 where he also served as President, a position he held until his retirement. 

“Pops”, as he was affectionately called by his family, was an active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Anderson where he was a lifetime deacon and longtime member of the church choir. He was also an active member and past president of the Baraca Sunday School Class, which he taught on the radio for 17 years. He was always very active in his community and began volunteering for the Atlanta Community Chest in 1951. He went on to volunteer for the Fountain Inn Emergency Relief and became President of both the Greenwood United Way and Western Foothills United Way in Anderson. In 1980, he received Governor Richard Riley’s South Carolina State United Way Volunteer of the Year Award. He was a member of the Anderson Salvation Board for 20 years and a member of the Rotary Club since 1955. In 1984, he served as both Chairman of the Anderson Vocational Rehabilitation Board and President of the Anderson Rotary Club. He served as President to three different Chambers of Commerce – the Fountain Inn Chamber, the Greenwood Chamber and the Anderson Chamber – and was State Director of the SC Chamber of Commerce from 1978 to 1981. He was Chairman of the Board at Piedmont Technical College for 10 years and received its medallion in 1986. The multi-purpose building on campus was named the Leland C. Stoddard building in his honor. In 1971, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor John C. West, the highest civilian honor awarded to South Carolinians. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Freeman Stoddard of Anderson; five sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. Leland C. Stoddard, Jr. and wife, Karen of Beaufort, Dr. Thomas B. Stoddard and wife, Tara of Greenwood, Mr. David F. Stoddard and wife, Lynn of Anderson, Mr. Keith F. Stoddard and wife, Allison of Anderson, and Mr. Kenneth B. Stoddard and wife, Becky of Anderson; Grandchildren, Leland, Anna Grace, Mary Austen, Andrew, Katie, Thomas (Carolyn), Meg, Courtney, Freeman, Paul, Ashleigh, Bryson and Michael. 

He was predeceased by his siblings Edna Frances Mahaffey, Nita Ingram, and Bryson Stoddard. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church conducted by Dr. James R. Thomason. Burial will follow in M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday at 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Sullivan-King Mortuary and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Roof Fund, 307  South Manning Street, Anderson, SC 29621. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary www.sullivanking.com