Richard T. Leavengood

Leavengood, Richard T. ?Rick? 51, of Gulfport, died Tuesday March 8, 2005 at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. He was born in St. Petersburg and graduated from Boca Ciega High School in 1970. He was an Economics graduate of the University of South Florida and a graduate of the University of Florida College of Law. Richard began practicing law in St. Petersburg with his father, the Late Honorable Charles Richard Leavengood, in 1979. He was currently in private practice with Leavengood & Nash, P.A. He was formerly a member of the Florida Bar Association, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens of Sarasota. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Patricia ?Patty;? two sons, Ian Richard Leavengood and Ryan Avery Leavengood, both of St. Petersburg; two sisters, Diana Blanco, Los Angeles, CA; and Polly Leavengood, St. Petersburg; four brothers; Dr. John M. Leavengood and William S. Leavengood, both of St. Petersburg; Joseph U. Leavengood, Los Angeles, CA; and Dr. Henry Leavengood, Warner Robbins, GA. After practicing law with his own father, the Late Honorable Charles Richard Leavengood, Richard launched a campaign to become one of Pinellas County?s youngest judicial officers in his bid for County Judge at the age of 27. While his efforts were unsuccessful, the experience inspired Richard to begin his own firm. In its initial stages, The Law Offices of Richard T. Leavengood dealt in family law, wills, trusts & probate, and civil litigation, but over the years primarily focused on consumer bankruptcy. In this capacity, Richard assisted thousands of St. Petersburg?s financially troubled citizens turn around their lives and learn financial responsibility. His years of practice and professionalism has earned the respect of the Bankruptcy Bar?s Trustees, being informally voted one of the most thorough, honest and likable practitioners in the Bar many years running. Richard was an expert in other fields, including cactus and succulents, and was associated with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for more than 30 years. A memorial service for Richard will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 1:00 PM at St. Peter?s Cathedral, 140 4th Street N., St. Petersburg. If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. M.L. King St. N., St. Petersburg. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Richard T. Leavengood Foundation, 7127 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707. Proceeds of this foundation will be used to sponsor a ?Book Award in Bankruptcy? at the University of Florida?s Levin College of Law. This award and corresponding annual $1, 000 scholarship will be given to the law student whose academic performance in Bankruptcy exceeds that of all of his or her peers. Anderson-McQueen Funeral & Cremation Centers-N.E. St. Petersburg