August 2013
August 2013
We have unfortunate news to report today. On Saturday, August 24th, Allen Leath, our President, passed away. Allen had been diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year. He had been receiving treatment and was making good progress so his passing was unexpected.
Allen was meticulous in everything that he did, including his plans in case anything ever happened to him. His brother Clay Leath and the family have indicated that they want to see L & R to continue to grow and prosper. Clay also works in the machining industry and was very aware of Allen’s intentions and goals for the company. For the foreseeable future the company will move forward with its existing management team consisting of Jackie Satterfield, Scott Mullins and Chris Coffey to ensure a seamless transition. Due to Allen’s foresight the company remains on a solid financial and management footing.
Clay has requested that we convey to everyone that first and foremost we are going to fulfill our commitments to our employees, customers, vendors and business associates.
Allen was an exceptional individual. The things that we keep hearing from everyone, who knew him, is what a first class gentleman he was in addition to being a true friend and a man of his word. He will be sorely missed, and his leadership has guided us to a very good position and we are positive we will continue to be successful and intend to make this an even greater company to honor his legacy.
L&R will be closed on Friday August 30th to allow employees the opportunity to attend Allen’s burial in Woodlawn, VA. We will return on Tuesday September 3rd.
Allen Scott Leath
Allen Scott Leath, 47, of Bedford, Virginia died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 24, 2013, at Bedford Memorial Hospital in Bedford, Virginia after a brief illness.
Allen was born on Monday, June 20, 1966, in Winston Salem, NC.
A graduate of West Forsyth High School in 1984, he also graduated from Surry Community College in Dobson, NC, with a degree in machine technology in 1986.
He worked in the machining industry prior to starting L&R Precision Tooling, Inc. in 1997. In 2011, he was voted the Region 2000 Entrepreneur of the year and was also recognized as a finalist for the Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award given by the Darden School of business of The University of Virginia.
A lover of nature and the outdoors, Allen was an avid deer and turkey hunter and a wildlife conservationist.
Allen is preceded in death by his mother Laura Jean Leath. He is survived by his father, Fred Leath of Galax, VA, a brother, Clay Leath of Lewisville, NC, two sisters, Sherry Leath of Advance, NC, Ginger Moore and her husband, Jason of Mocksville, NC. Beloved nieces and nephews, Troy and Lacey Moore, Josh, Amanda and Cody Leath and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg from 5:00 -8:00 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2013. The body will also lie in state and the family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 pm Friday, August 30, 2013 at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, Woodlawn, VA. A graveside service will be conducted following the visitation at 2:00 pm at The Woodlawn Cemetery with Barry Kenny officiating.
The family would like to extend appreciation to Jackie Satterfield, Chris Coffey and Scott Mullins. Also, special thanks to all of the other employees, customers and suppliers of L&R Precision Tooling, Inc. and to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
