Phillip Leach Obituary

Phillip Leach

Aiken, SC - It is with great sadness that the family of Phillip David Leach (88) announce his passing on January 15, 2026. However, there is great joy in knowing that his earthly struggle is over and he is in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior.

The son of Frances and Marion Leach, he was born on February 19, 1937 in Kalamazoo, Ml. He spent his formative years in Kalamazoo and attended State High School graduating in 1955. Phil's parents always taught him the value of hard work and he had many jobs as a teenager. It was while working at the Kalamazoo CC carrying golf clubs that he discovered his love of golf-something he enjoyed almost until the end of his life.

Phil attended Michigan State College, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Business Administration. His work career was always in the automobile industry working for 3 years with Ford Motor Company and then moving to Chrysler Corporation for the following 27. He began his career in Labor Relations but soon moved to the Production end of the business rising through the ranks and retiring as Production Manager in 1991. He loved his job and gave his all while working in the Detroit, Ml, St. Louis, MO, Belvedere, IL and Toledo, OH plants. He made lasting friends in each plant sharing many hours of hard work, successful model launches, a few happy hours and lots of tee times.

Retirement brought Phil and his family to Aiken, SC and Woodside CC where they have spent the last 33 years enjoying the golf courses, many different golf groups, wonderful friends and everything that Aiken and Woodside have to offer. He embraced his community serving as a volunteer ranger, as a member of the POA board, and even working for the POA for a time. Phil left many a footprint on the golf courses at Woodside and probably a few short putts.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 5O years, Kay, who cared for him during his last 19 months as he battled cancer, Severe COPD and Severe Emphysema. Also surviving are his 4 children: P. David Leach, Jr. (Deborah), Kimberly A. Fanter (Dan), Wendy J. Leach (Jed) and J. Cody Leach (Michelle) granddaughters, Casey King (Jeff), Kelly Fanter and Chloe Leach, nieces, Laurie Kelly (Kris), Angela Choate (Pierce) and 2 great- nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his two sisters: Francis A. Leach, Nancy J. Leach, his first wife, Margo Hughes Leach and brother-in- law, Don R. Choate.

His family and friends will remember him as strong, capable, hard-working, a bit opinionated and a true "Mr. Fix-it".

The family would like to thank his nurses from Hands of Life Home Healthcare, La Travia, Keisha, Natalie, Tonia and Tia for their kind and compassionate care.

He was a member of St. John's Methodist Church where his funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in Ward Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: St. Jude's Children's Research Center (www.stjude.org) and St. John's Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. NW, Aiken, SC 29801.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

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