Anthony “Tony” Byron Leach
Dr. Anthony “Tony” Byron Leach, 67, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, October 7, 2022.
Tony was born in Milan, Tn. on Sept. 28, 1955, to Byron O’Neal Leach and Patsy Ruth (Phillips) Leach. Tony graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Taylor, MI in 1973. He pursued a golf scholarship at The University of Tennessee-Martin and served in the Navy from 1977 to 1981. Tony finished his undergraduate career with a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University in 1984, followed by a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree at Ferris State University in 1988. Tony went on to operate a successful private optometry practice in the Chattanooga area for nearly 30 years.
Tony had a lifelong passion for the game of golf. Many who played with him affectionately referred to him as “Dr. Smooth”. Tony loved traveling with his family and friends. He enjoyed channeling his creativity through various artistic mediums, namely drawing, sculpting, and painting. Tony was known for his dry wit; he would often make people laugh when they least expected it and found humor where others typically might not.
Tony was preceded in death by his father, Byron O’Neal Leach and is survived by his two sons, Davis Leach and Griffin Leach, his mother, Pat Leach, his sister, Lesa Eden, his brother Jeffrey (Soha) Leach, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
A celebration of life will be held for Tony on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Hamilton Funeral in Hixson.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 4-6 p.m. prior to the celebration of life in the chapel.
The family will be opening up the floor for friends and family to come speak and share memories about Tony during the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343,423 531-3975.