Clyde Melvin "Mel" Leatherman

Clyde Melvin “Mel” Leatherman, 78, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026. Mel was born in North Carolina on February 1st, 1948. He was the oldest of five sons, and attended Bunker Hill High School in Claremont, NC, where he played varsity football and basketball. Mel was drafted into the United States Army, but he married his sweetheart, Deborah Lee Moose, before serving his country in Vietnam. In Vietnam, he served as a rifleman in the 25th Infantry Division, “Tropic Lightning,” where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. After Vietnam, Mel attended Gaston College in Gaston County North Carolina, where he earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He then began employment with DuPont in the electrical engineering department. It was during this time that he began to play his favorite sport, golf. After retiring from DuPont, he began working as the Safety Director for Nabco Electric Company. He enjoyed his final retirement days playing golf, spending time with his six grandchildren, and serving in his church family.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents William S. and Frances A. Leatherman of Catawba, NC, and his brothers Charles Leatherman and Joe Leatherman.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Leatherman of Hixson, TN; daughters Leigh Anne Drake (Chris) of Hixson, Jennifer Lepere (Rocky) of Soddy Daisy; son Aaron Leatherman (Sheree) of Harrison; brothers Michael Leatherman of Charlotte, NC and Lawrence Leatherman of Catawba, NC; and six grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, from 5pm-7pm, and Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, from 10am-11am, with the service to follow. Interment will be on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at 12:30pm at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project or to Gideons International.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com