Roland passed away on July 5, 2018 at the age of 82.
Roland is preceded in death by his parents: Edwiges J. Leal and Lillie Marin Leal, his brother Roy Leal and his grandson John "Eddie" Skinner, Sr.
Roland is survived by his wife, Linda Leal, Sons: Roland E Leal, Jr (Beth) of Wyandotte, Michigan; John E. Leal, Sr of Corpus Christi; Daughters: Brenda K. Skinner (Johnny) of Corpus Christi and Yvonne L. Gilmore (Sam) of Corpus Christi. Sisters: Alma Leal Pena of Corpus Christi and Yolanda Leal Benavides of Corpus Christi, 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Step-Daughter: Lisa Simmons (Michael) of Houston, TX and Step-son: N. Lee Williams, Jr. (Tina) of Burke, TX and 5 Step-grandchildren and 4 Step-great grandchildren
Roland graduated from Miller High School in 1956. He was a Army Veteran and served in the Army. While in the Army Roland fired the Howlers (BIG guns) and later played trumpet for the 4th Chair in the 8th Army Band. Roland worked at CCAD worked as a Airframes helper, in the Foundry and in the Hydraulic Shop. He retired from CCAD in June of 1993.
Roland was founder of "Club 50" - the club originally consisted of friends who graduated in the 1950's from various local and area schools and later included men who retired from CCAD.
Roland never meet anyone he did not like. He always saw the best in everyone. He was loved and admired by many. To many he was known as "Grandpa"
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at Guardian Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, TX.
Honorary pallbearers: Richard Bernal, Freddie Aleman, Roland Krussow, Justin Skinner, Brandon Skinner, Obie Benavides, Anthony Trammel, Matt Norris, Lamar Harrisπ