Surrounded by family who loved him, the Rev. Thomas L. Leatherwood Jr., 91, of Murphy, met Jesus on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
He was ushered into the gates of Heaven as his family sang his beloved hymn, “Victory in Jesus.”
He was a native to Akron, Ohio, but Thomas and his wife, Joan, of 67 years retired to Murphy in order to enjoy their family.
His ministry began at Arlington Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he studied theology. He went on to build and pastor Mansfield Baptist Temple and Christian School in Mansfield, Ohio. He served there for 25 years before moving to Georgia. While in the Peach State, Thomas served as pastor and interim pastor for several churches in need.
Although he retired to Murphy in 1997, he came out of retirement to pastor Pine Log Baptist in Brasstown. For more than 20 years, he enjoyed leading a Bible study for men at Murphy First Baptist Church as well as establishing and teaching a senior adult chapel class.
While he enjoyed fishing and gardening, he found the greatest joy in shepherding others to Christ. He never met a stranger and was the eternal optimist. He loved cornbread with milk as well as singing around the piano with family and friends.
He will be missed beyond measure.
He was the son of the late Thomas Lee Sr. and Lola Mae Palmer Leatherwood. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Leatherwood-Outland; and a brother, Maynard H. Leatherwood.
Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Joan Ownbey Leatherwood; a daughter, Lori Leatherwood Payne and husband James of Murphy; a son, T. Lee Leatherwood III and wife Sondra of Macon, Ga.; three brothers, Robert M. Leatherwood, Sidney L. Leatherwood and Johnny G. Leatherwood; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and many other extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Murphy First Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends prior to the services at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of the Rev. Thomas L. Leatherwood Jr. to the Trans World Radio at twr.org/donate/.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.