Thomas Hewlett Leath

Thomas Hewlett Leath, Sr., 85, of Indian Trail in Martinsville, went to be with the Lord Friday, January 15, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. He was born in Richmond, VA on January 19, 1924 to the late Guy Leath, Sr. and Alma Hewlett Leath. He served in the Army during WW II in an infantry combat unit in Germany, where he received a Bronze Star. He was a graduate of the University of Richmond where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

In 1952, Tom and his late wife, Eleanor Townes Leath, joined her father in Townes Furniture Company, where Tom was secretary and later president for more than 40 years. In 1992, he received Furniture World Magazine's Award of Merit and was named Retailer of the Year. He was also president of Southern Home Furnishings of High Point, NC which was an organization of furniture retailers and was a volunteer fireman with the Martinsville City Fire Department. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville, where he was a member of the Senior Choir for many years and later became a member of the Jubilate Choir. He also served as deacon for several terms, was active in the "At Home Ministry" and was a member of the Chevis Horne Sunday School Class.
He was very artistic and had recently taken art classes at Patrick Henry Community College where some of his work was on display for a showing.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Guy Leath, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his son Thomas Leath, Jr. of Martinsville, one sister and brother's-in law; Helen Leath Jenkins and husband Richard Jenkins of Richmond and Captain John Willie Townes of Alexandra, nephew, Mark Jenkins, nieces, Jill Dewey, Joy Jenkins all of Richmond and several great nieces and nephews and a special caregiver, Glenda Watkins. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the unfailing, compassionate care provided to both Tom and Eleanor by Glenda Watkins and the staff of Blue Ridge Rehab Center.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church of Martinsville with Dr. Dennis Knight and the Rev. John T. Fulcher officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 6 to 8 P.M. at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Homes, Martinsville Chapel. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112.

For online condolences, please visit "www.collinsmckeestone.com"