Richard William Leach

He was born on October 6, 1936 and was the son of the late Henry Grady and Bessie Alexander Leach. In addition to his parents and multiple siblings he was preceded in death by his two sons: Robert Wayne Leach and Ronald James Leach.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Leach; two children: Richard "Rick" Leach and Dina Leach McDonald and her husband, James "Jim"; one grandson, James "Jackson" McDonald III of Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Mr. Leach was born in Clermont, Georgia, and later moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he met Pat, the love of his life. They were married for 69 years. He was the owner of Furniture Mart Rental, the first furniture rental store in Athens for over thirty years. He was then employed to provide business management and bookkeeping services for McDonald and Manus for the past 33 years.

Richard served in the Army National Guard for 12 years. He was an avid reader and had an especially keen interest for history and politics. He had an unquenchable desire for learning. Richard had a love for gospel and country music along with singing and playing his guitar. In his early years he played for The Merry Makers band and produced several records. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and was a huge sports enthusiast for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.

The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers from Home Instead, Monique Oldacre and Treana Hull for all the love, support and great care they provided to him and his family during this difficult time along with the bountiful comfort provided by the St. Mary's Hospice Team.

The family requests that friends wishing to make a tribute or donation to contact the ALS United of Georgia at alsgeorgia.org.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 4:30 pm, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at SpringHill Suites, 220 S. Hull St., Athens, Georgia 30601, with a celebration of life to follow.