Thomas Beacher Leathers, age 88 of Conyers, died Thursday, December 29, 2011at Merryvale Assisted Living in Oxford, Georgia. Beacher graduated from Boys High and then went into the Navy during World War II serving as a Motor Machinist 3rd class on the Destroyer USS Dale W. Peterson. They were on convoy duty traveling between Italy, England and then transferring to the Pacific. Upon return from the war he worked for the Atlanta Fire Department. He trained at Station 7 in West End, was assigned to Station 4 and then worked in the Signal Office for the remainder of his career. He was preceded in death by his wife, Miriam Whatley Leathers to whom he was married for over 50 years. They were both active at Mt. Carmel Christian Church for most of their married life. Later he attended Crosspoint Christian Church, Browns Bridge Christian Church and Conyers First United Methodist Church and the family joke was that dad wanted to cover all his bases on the church side. Beacher was devoted to his family and the service of others. He traveled on many church building trips with Mt. Carmel over the years.

On behalf of the family we wish to extend our deep gratitude to the many that helped us during dad’s journey, Dr. George Smith, the entire Merryvale Assisted Living Staff, Brightmoor Hospice and Mrs. Annie Price who gave care in the last days of dad’s life. They have been a blessing to each of us.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Thomas and Susan Leathers of Covington, son and daughter-in-law, William Beacher and Laura Leathers of Lilburn, daughter and son-in-law, Debra Anne and Guy Robinson of Decatur, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel with Rev. Curt Zehner, Rev. Bill Rollins, and Rev. Ron Watson officiating; a reception will follow service. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crosspoint Christian Church, Browns Bridge Christian Church or Furkids animal rescue www.furkids.org.

Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.