Henderson Leo Leathers
Henderson Leo Leathers, died December 4, 2021, at the age of 95. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, George Robert Leathers and Nannie Belle Essary Leathers, his siblings, J. W., twin brother Theo, Kenneth, and Theda, and a daughter, Sandra Elizabeth Noah.
Leo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to his senior year of high school at Bolivar High School, Bolivar, TN. After serving his country, Leo and his twin brother Theo entered Lambuth College (now a part of the University of Memphis). During his time at Lambuth he lettered in four sports, basketball, baseball, football, and golf. Leo was elected to the Lambuth College Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Upon graduation, he married Joanne Heaberg Leathers on June 2, 1950; they met while at Lambuth.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne Heaberg Leathers; his children, Leanne Bailey, Trish Stephenson (Roy), and Susan Abone (Joe); grandchildren, Thomas Stephenson (Rebekah), Will Stephenson (Whitney), Allie Williams (Blaine), Samantha Page (Taylor), and Ryan Abone (Lainey); and 6 great-grandchildren.
Upon college graduation, in 1950, Leo’s first employment was at Beech Bluff High School, Jackson, TN, teaching math and coaching both girls and boys basketball. In 1952 he went work for PPG Industries as an outside paint salesman. By his retirement in 1985, Leo had become the regional sales manager for PPG Industries.
From college days, Leo developed an affinity for golf. He was a member of Colonial Country Club Memphis since 1962. He served on the Board of Directors for 10 years, serving as Club President for two years. He was club champion in 1974. His daughters would jokingly say all the family vacations centered around golf courses. Leo designed Wedgewood Golf Course in Olive Branch, MS. After retirement, he served as the executive director of the Memphis Golf Association for 12 years.
Leo and Joanne had an active church life, first at Highland Heights United Methodist Church and later at First United Methodist Church, Huntingdon, TN. He served in various leadership roles for both churches and particularly enjoyed singing in church choir.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to First United Methodist Church, 201 Asbury Cir., P.O. Box 39, Huntingdon, TN 38344.