OBITUARY
William Owen Leach Jr.
February 14, 1938 – October 15, 2013
Leach, Mr. William Owen, Jr., 75, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at home surrounded by family. He was the son of the late Col. and Mrs. Owen Leach. He is survived by his wife, Joan Dickson Leach; children, Sally (Todd) Wilder, William (Nicole) Leach, and Jodie (Charlie) Hicks; grandchildren, Caroline, Claire, and James Wilder; Rae and Anna Leach; Owen, Sarah Slater, and Ansley Hicks; sister-in-law, Dele (Ron) Cannon; and several nieces and a nephew. Mr. Leach was a graduate of Georgia Tech, President of Gadsden Heating and Sheet Metal, and President of Leach and Company. He also served as President of the Gadsden Rotary Club and the Gadsden Country Club. In addition, Mr. Leach served on the Board of Directors of Westminster Christian School and Life of Alabama. His greatest source of pride was his family and 52 happy years of marriage. Pallbearers are Johnny Wetzel, Nick Brown, Johnny Floyd, Alan Loveman, Gordon DeMasi, Curtis Wright, Frank Helderman, Jr., and Bob Crabtree. Honorary pallbearers are the employees of Leach and Company. Special thanks to Dr. Vincent Valentine, Gisele Lombard, Margaret James, and Penny Wagner of the UTMB Transplant Program, the Bible Study at Covenant Fellowship Church, and the employees of Alacare. Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 17, 2013, from 10am-12pm with service to follow officiated by Rev. Harvey Beck and Dr. R. Gary Ashley. Burial will be at Forrest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
Services
- Visitation Thursday, October 17, 2013
- Funeral Service Thursday, October 17, 2013
REMEMBERING
William Owen Leach Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYreceive updates when new memories are posted
RECEIVE UPDATESRon Pharr
October 18, 2013
Dear Mrs. Joanie,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bill. He gave a young Auburn college graduate a chance years ago and taught me a lot about the steel business. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity in helping me get where I am today with my own company. We will be praying for you guys in the days ahead and as I told Wiliam this morning " ASNF- a son never forgets"!
Ron, Angela & Family
October 18, 2013
Joanie,
Richard and I are deeply saddened to hear of Bill's death. He was a favorite of both of us, and we wish we were in town to stand with you and offer comfort and support. You have been a loving and courageous wife to Bill.
Love,
Sharon Littleton Carter
Richard Carter
October 17, 2013
Dear Joanie,
My prayers are with you and your family.
Much Love,
Beth Ludlum Mabey
Gene & Danna Dean
October 17, 2013
I have known the Leach family for many years and am going to miss Bill. I hope God will bless the family. I am sure that William will carry on the tradition of the family and Joanie has many great memories.
October 17, 2013
Dear Joanie and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Bill. My prayers are with all of you. I know you are going to miss him, however God will give you strength. You are one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I have loved getting to know you better through "Way of the Cross". God Bless you and your family .
Love in Christ,
Sherry Young
Debbie & Don Hiltz
October 17, 2013
Joanie,
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family at this difficult time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Terri Walley
October 17, 2013
Joanie, so sorry for your loss, I always remember my times at Gadsden Heating with fond memories. You and your children will be in my prayers.
Bobby Alverson
October 17, 2013
My family and I are so saddened to hear of your loss. It was my pleasure to work for Mr. Leach for over 25 years at Gadsden Heating & Sheet Metal Company. He was a good man and I know he will be missed greatly. I tried to come to the church today to pay my respects in person but am no longer able to climb stairs; however, please know that your family is my thoughts and prayers.
Jackie, Chip & Todd Ryan
October 17, 2013
We are remembering all of the good times with Bill - he will truly be missed. We are sorry for your loss and will keep the entire Leach family in our prayers.
maryanne burchfield
October 17, 2013
Joanie, I'm sorry for your loss.
ALICIA MCCOY
October 16, 2013
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MS. LEACH YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
October 16, 2013
Sorry to her the sad news he will be missed at the Gadsden Country Club.
Love Gadsden Country Club Staff ( Gadsden, AL)
Bob & Millie Stevens
October 16, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Hilda Lowe
October 16, 2013
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Hilda and Devan Lowe
October 16, 2013
With our deepest sympathy.
Hilda and Devan Lowe
Ken Hammock
October 16, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ben and Barbara Reed
October 16, 2013
Out of town , sending condolences
October 16, 2013
With Deepesy Sympathy.
Pat W Stimpson
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF