GREAT MILLS, Md. — Guy Joseph Leonard Jr., a revered journalist whose 17-year tenure at The County Times shaped St. Mary’s County’s local news, died suddenly on April 24, 2025, at 49. Affectionately called Joey by family and Guy by friends, Leonard’s commitment to truth and fairness earned heartfelt tributes, with The County Times announcing, “Born and raised in St Mary’s County, Mr Leonard covered local news and events in The County Times for over 17 years.”
Born January 10, 1976, at Patuxent River Naval Hospital, Leonard was the son of Jane Bridges Leonard of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and the late Guy Joseph Leonard Sr. A 1994 graduate of St. Mary’s Ryken High School, he excelled at York College in Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with minors in government studies and French in 1998. There, he met Tegan Christine Buckley, whom he married on October 7, 2006, in Minersville, Pennsylvania. Settling in Great Mills, they filled Leonard’s family home with love, faith, and their cherished cats.
Leonard’s journalism career began in Fukushima, Japan, where he taught English from 1998 to 1999, honing his ability to connect with diverse audiences. Returning to Maryland, he joined The Gazette Newspapers in Laurel, contributing to a Pulitzer Prize-nominated team covering the 2002 Beltway Sniper attacks. His two-year investigation into truancy in Prince George’s County schools led to the establishment of truancy court, showcasing his impact. In 2007, Leonard joined The County Times, helping transform the startup into a trusted voice for St. Mary’s County’s 114,000 residents. His meticulous reporting on local government, schools, and community events earned widespread respect.
County Commissioner Mike Hewitt wrote, “RIP Guy, you had a knack for getting the facts. He’ll be missed.” Radio hosts T and Heather shared, “He would text me periodically and argue a point while T and I were on air discussing a local topic. I’ll miss those texts.” Commissioner Eric Colvin, at an April 29, 2025, meeting, said, “During Commissioner time I spoke about … the loss of Guy Leonard, the reporter from the St. Mary’s County Times Newspaper.” These tributes underscore Leonard’s role as a journalist who fostered transparency and dialogue.
Leonard’s passions enriched his life. He devoured Stephen King novels, amassed Star Wars and Lego collections, and cooked specialties like ratatouille, a skill learned alongside his mother. A history buff, he studied weaponry and enjoyed shooting at Sanner’s Gun Club and Flat Broke Shooters Club. As a 20-year member of Patuxent Baptist Church, he was active in worship, Bible study, and camp-outs. His devotion to his cats reflected his compassionate nature.
Leonard is survived by his mother, Jane; wife, Tegan; uncles James Bridges (Diann) of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Douglas Bridges (Kate) of Pensacola, Florida; stepmother, Sandra Leonard of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; in-laws, Peter and Joyce Buckley of Pottsville, Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law Tara Wheeler (Alfie) of Manteo, North Carolina, and Dr. Cali Buckley of New York, New York; and extended family. He was predeceased by his father and grandparents, Arthur and Mary Jane Bridges.
A visitation is set for May 3, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650, followed by a funeral at 1:00 p.m., led by Pastor Rick Connor. Memorial contributions are requested for Feral Cat Rescue, St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League, or Patuxent Baptist Church. Condolences can be shared at the Brinsfield Funeral Home website.
Leonard’s legacy lives in his stories, which chronicled St. Mary’s County’s triumphs and challenges. His work strengthened a community rooted in naval history and rural charm, leaving a lasting mark on Southern Maryland.
