Mack Naugher Leath, Ph.D.

Mack Naugher Leath, Ph. D., 73, of Glen Allen, went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2014. He was born to the late Robert C. Leath and Ruby N. Leath on September 16, 1941 in Round Mountain, Alabama. Mack grew up on the family cotton farm and always had fond remembrances of his early rural and small town life. After graduation from Cherokee County High School, he received BS and MS degrees from Auburn University. He was a charter member of the Auburn chapter of Beta Theta Pi and served the fraternity as vice president. His Ph. D. in Agricultural Economics was received from Oklahoma State University. Mack was a career agricultural economist for the Economic Research Service, USDA, serving in Stillwater, OK, Kansas City Commodity Office, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and Crops Branch Chief for ERS in Washington, DC, where he was also allowed the opportunity to participate as an economic advisor to emerging European agricultural economies.

Mack was ordained as a deacon at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, Urbana, IL, and also served in that capacity at Parkwood Baptist Church, Annandale, VA. He was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Richmond. Mack enjoyed golf, bowling, hunting, fishing, bridge and Auburn football. Most recently he enjoyed the competition of bridge with friends at CrossRidge.

Mack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Barbour Leath, daughter Stephanie Hancock of Memphis, TN, her husband Steve and their children Emily and Clay, and daughter Allison Hearn of Richmond, her husband Chris and their children Meredith, Celia and Chet. Also surviving is his sister Tippy Sanford of Holland, GA.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 25, from 5-7 PM at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham, Richmond. There will be a graveside service on Friday, September 26, at 10:30 AM at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Ave, Richmond. A memorial service will follow at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, at 11:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Baptist Church, Parkwood Baptist Church or a charity of choice.