Ernie Leonard

Ernie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Byles Leonard, brothers, Gordon Leonard of Chickamauga, Georgia, and Preston B. "Tooie" Leonard of Washington State, daughters Melanie (Joey) Gregory, Laura (Mark) Hydas, and Carole (Mike) Mirabella, son, Christian Leonard, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Silverdale Baptist Church for 35 years and served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and his passion was missions. Ernie was an avid gardener, enjoyed camping and Chattanooga Mocs football and basketball.

Ernie retired from TVA after 32 years. He was a graduate of Red Bank High School, Class of 1952, and attended the University of Chattanooga.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 4 PM at Silverdale Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Walliser officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 26, 2013 from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home and on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 the family will visit at Silverdale Baptist Church following the service. Private burial will be at Moore Cemetery with Rev. Eddie Wilson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Silverdale Baptist Church Building Fund or Zambia Bucket Missions Project, 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.