Algie Leatherwood

Algie Roland Leatherwood , age 89, of 3685 Broad Street, died Saturday, September 17, 2005 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County. He was the son of the late Marcus Allen and Estelle Jones Leatherwood. He was also preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Virginia Clark Leatherwood in 2001. Mr. Leatherwood was employed at Champion Paper Company for over thirty-five years as a sheet-metal worker and welder in the maintenance department; prior to that, he had served his country during WW II working in the ship yards in Maryland. He was a self-taught individual who became quite proficient in his crafting and welding of metal and he taught this skill in many classes at the paper mill. For the past fifty years he had became involved in the socio-economic development of Haywood County and had served its citizens in at least these major capacities: Member of the Clyde School Board; Member of the Clyde Lions Club since 1950; Lions District 31 A Governor (1964-65); numerous offices in the local club and within the District; Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Champion Credit Union; Chairperson of the County Social Services Board; member of Mountain Projects; Clyde Alderman for 18 years; Mayor of the Town of Clyde for 21 years, resigning in 2004. He was keenly interested in the welfare of Haywood citizens who were the focal point of his community involvement and concern. His outreach into his hometown, as well as Western North Carolina, was motivated by his humanitarianism. He wanted the "best" for his friends and fellow citizens of Clyde and worked hand-in-hand with the other town officials, as an alderman and mayor to develop a quality lifestyle for all residents. Mr. Leatherwood was a lifelong member of Clyde Central United Methodist Church and held almost every lay position: Sunday School Teacher, Lay Leader, Chairperson of Administrative Board, Delegate to Annual Conference, Trustee, and Superintendent of Sunday School for over three decades. He faithfully supported the pastors of his church with his attendance, service, and stewardship. He affirmed the church's missions via his prayers and giving, and witnessed through his daily example the principles of Christ. His Christian service extended far beyond the bounds of Clyde or this state as he participated in over a dozen church building teams for the Western NC Conference in several Caribbean countries. He is survived by his son, Reverend J. Michael Leatherwood and his wife, Theresa of Mooresville, NC; two sisters, Margaret Hill of Canton and Edwina Jackson of Clyde; one grandson, Chad Leatherwood and his wife, Paula of Barnardsville; one granddaughter, Letitia Reed and her husband Max of Clyde. He dearly loved his family and did everything possible to provide for their physical and emotional needs, by which they have been richly blessed and now possess wonderful memories of their dad, papaw, and father-in-law. There will be a service of celebration and remembrance held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at Clyde Central United Methodist Church with the Reverend Randy Tingle officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery , Old Clyde Road. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2005 at Wells Funeral Home in Canton. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be members of his Sunday School Class and Clyde Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Clyde Central United Methodist Church for Hurricane Katrina victims' relief (UMCOR) P.O. Box 8, Clyde, NC 28721 or to the National Alzheimer's Organization 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644

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