Leo Lamont Utley

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Leo Lamont Utley, a businessman, was born January 15, 1951, in Augusta and spent he early years on the family farm in Hephzibah and in Washington, D.C., part of a warm, loving, close-knit and successful family. He was a member of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Augusta. He attended public schools in Washington, D.C., and Augusta. In 1969, he graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School where he was a 'star' athlete and one of the top five basketball scorers in the state of Georgia. He accepted one of several scholarships and attended Rock Hill Junior College in Rock Hill, S.C. After leaving Rock Hill, he entered a plumbing apprenticeship with Plumbers Local #5 in Washington, D.C. He later transferred his apprenticeship to Augusta where he worked at both the Savannah River Site and the King Mill. Following the death of his father in 1982, he accepted the responsibility of leading the family's successful business. He founded Utley Construction, Inc. and served as its president until his untimely death. In the early 1980's Leo promoted gospel groups including Pee Wee and the Psalmsters. In 1987, Leo help from Utley Mechanical, Inc. of Washington, D.C. and served as a member of the Board of Directors. He also operated a bail bond business in Augusta. Most recently, Leo had achieved 8-A Certification status with the U.S. Government for Utley Construction, Inc., which at the time of his death, was working on a multimillion dollar project at Ft. Stewart, Ga. Leo was family focused, community minded and public spirited. His generosity and kindness to others are legendary in the communities of Richmond and Burke Counties. He fed the hungry, created jobs for the at-risk and underprivileged, built/provided housing for low income persons, often free of charge. The Richmond County Sheriff's Department was also a beneficiary of his generosity. He donated space in the newly renovated headquarters of Utley Brothers/gospel promotion/bail bond business which the Sheriff's Department used as a community satellite office. He also donated his time, talent and materials to numerous church building projects irrespective of the religious affiliation. Leo relaxed with his family, often entertaining them with his wit and humor. He competed in the National Street Car Association races. A true competitor, he won the coveted 2000 World Championship his first year on the circuit. Le is survived by his mother, a daughter, a son, three grandchildren, his eight siblings, a host of nieces and nephews, and so many more whose lives were made better by his generous nature. On December 25, 2005, God called his faithful servant home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2006, at 12:30 p.m. from the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Father Donuhue officiating. Interment will be in Bottsford Baptist Church Cemetery, Waynesboro. The Rosary will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home until 8:30 p.m. Friends may call at the residence or the funeral home. The Historic Dent's Undertaking Establishment serving the CSRA since the 1800's.