Ron Stan Leathers' Obituary
Ron Stan Leathers, age 62, of Austell, GA left us too soon October 16, 2023.
Ron was born and raised in Hollis, OK to Troy Jesse Leathers and Zella Jo Leathers (née Cansler). After graduating from Hollis High School in 1979, Ron moved to Pensacola, FL and took first job at a record store. He was passionate about spinning records from his favorite bands and would receive comments from the store owners when he played his favorites “too much”. Music moved Ron and he was known as a fabulous dancer and the life of the party. He loved disco. Being a child of the 60s and 70s, he especially enjoyed anything by Annie Lennox. You could always find Ron tuning in to the Casey Kasem Show and giving a running critique on the year they were featuring that day.
Ron had a keen eye and a knack for pairing items and merchandise to fit a theme, which led him into a successful career at Foley’s and Belk. Ron become the Regional Store Designer for Belk, where he had control over the design of the store front and displays in each section of the store. He had discerning taste and was able to create a theme and environment that matched perfectly. Ron was currently employed at Ultraview Archery. Ron’s eye for detail extended to his home, where he loved decorating with antiques and tending to his country garden.
Ron was very active in the Atlanta softball community. He was a member of Hotlanta Softball League and served as a former board member, coach, Hall of Famer, and manager for many years. He was also a founding member of Southern Softpaw League and served as a current board member, manager, Hall of Famer, and head cheerleader. His family remembers him as an ambassador for the softball community, always the first person that players met when they joined the league. The Hotlanta League spoke of Ron, “He was a staple at nearly every postgame "extra innings" event and truly loved to share the excitement and reflection of that day’s games. He enjoyed coaching, recruiting new members into the league, and cheering for and with them at home and at various tournaments.” Should the league need a spokesperson, someone to speak up, connect, and mingle, Ron was their guy. He made time for them no matter what.
Known for his smile and infectious laugh, Ron could light up a room with his presence. He was genuinely kind to whoever he met. A true family man, Ron dearly loved his mother and doted on her constantly. For many years, he would travel to Hollis to set up a special brunch for him and his mother on Christmas Day. He decorated her room at the nursing home to a tee and provided all the comforts of home. Ron made sure to give his mother all the quality time that she deserved, from shelling black-eyed peas to quilting together. He also treasured the relationship he had with his siblings, nieces and nephews, and his host of friends. A bright light has left this world and we treasure the memories we got to make with him.
Ron is preceded in death by his father, Troy Jesse Leathers; brothers, Troy Leathers and Davie Leathers; sister, Judith Schoenbaum; and step-father, L. E. Ford. He is survived by his mother, Zella Ford; sisters, Lisa Collier and Sandra McGee (husband, Tommy); brothers, Jim Leathers (wife, Marsha), Jon Leathers (wife, Teri), Randy Ford (wife, Sandra), and Shawn Ford (wife, Lolita); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Moment of Remembrance will be held Saturday, October 21st, 12:00 PM at Nickajack Park in Mableton, GA.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 21st, 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Oscar’s in Atlanta, GA.
A service will also be held in Hollis, OK with details pending. Please check back for updates.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to Lost N Found Youth https://www.lnfy.org/
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