William Leach

William Howard "Bill" Leach, age 70 of Lafollette passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009 at his home after a 44 month struggle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. He was born September 28, 1938 in Lafollette to Harrison and Pearl Leach; he grew up on a farm as the sixth of seven children. At age 9, he took on the custodial job at a small schoolhouse and began a lifetime of selfless service to others. He graduated from Lafollette High School in 1956 and married sweetheart Judy Claiborne in 1957. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. His tour of duty included an intelligence posting in Turkey. After his return home, Mr. Leach began a 30 year career with South Central Bell Telephone Company. He was a valued employee. On many occasions, after completing his regular day shift, Mr. Leach would answer the call to repair downed telephone lines long after midnight. These assignments required his working throughout the night in frigid, stormy weather under hazardous conditions in nearly impassable terrain many miles from his home. He nevertheless found the energy to work second jobs, including raising Burley tobacco with his brother, J.B., for many years.
A member of Cedar Hill Baptist Church, he enthusiastically attended services there for decades. He taught Sunday school and served on several committees. He loved his church and all his church family with all his heart. They helped him to grow, love and serve the Lord. The mission of Rotary to promote service to others and high ethics matched his core beliefs, and Mr. Leach therefore joined the Rotary Club. He was later President and a Paul Harris Fellow award remains prominent in his home office. Elected numerous times to the Board of Lafollette Country Club, he was a popular and respected member. He golfed avidly and well and followed high standards of sportsmanship. An annual golf trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia with longtime friends became a cherished tradition. He was an avid University of Tennessee sports fan, attending most home and away football games. One of his proudest moments was chauffeuring Mr. John Ward (the voice of the Vols) and Mr. Ed Balloff to several away basketball games.
The family expresses its love and gratitude to James Farris, M.D., Wahid T. Hanna, M.D., Elise Shriver, M.D., William Reed, M.D., Robert Bertoli, M.D., the staff of the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and all of the caring hands that helped him. The family deeply thanks University of Tennessee Hospice employees Darlene Raisor, Frances Williams and especially caregiver Effie Miller.

Preceded in death by Parents: Pearl and Rev. Harrison Leach. Brother: Rev. Ralph Leach.

Survived by his absolutely devoted wife: Judy Claiborne Leach; Daughter and Son in Law: Suzann and Bill Goldman and Grandchildren: Rebecca Lane Goldman and Sarah Brown Goldman all of Knoxville; Sandy and John Page Garrett and Grandchildren: Grace Martin Garrett and Anna Pearl Garrett all of Nashville; Brothers and Sisters in Law: J.B. and Linda Leach of Lafollette, June James of Chattanooga, Jewel and Jimmy Winstead of Lafollette, Evelyn Bailey of Speedwell, Margie Ford of Lafollette; Sister in Law: Alice Leach of Lafollette and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. No man took more pleasure from his granddaughters than did Papaw Leach.

Pallbearers: Greg Leach, Kip Leach, Mark Winstead, Doyle Ray Monday, Kenny Bailey, David Leach, Steve Winstead and Ronald James. Honorary pallbearers: Ed Balloff, Marvin Minton, Mike Rogers, Bobby Heatherly, Bob Fannon, Bill Cox, Dr. James Farris, Lynn Prater, George Ellison, J.L. Stittums, Jimmy Goins, Warren Heatherly, Wayne Kitts, and Cliff Jennings.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cedar Hill Baptist Building Fund, 636 Demory Road, Lafollette, TN. 37766

Funeral Service will be 12 PM Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Cedar Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in Fincastle Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 PM Saturday at Cedar Hill Baptist Church.

Mr. Leach's guestbook can be viewed at www.martinwilsonfuneralhome.com

Martin Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.