Ernie Leonard

Ernest "Ernie" Leonard, 79, of Chattanooga, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013. Ernie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Byles Leonard; brothers, Gordon Leonard, of Chickamauga, Ga., and Preston B. "Tooie" Leonard, of Washington State; daughters Melanie (Joey) Gregory, Laura (Mark) Hydas, and Carole (Mike) Mirabella; son, Christian Leonard; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.He was a member of Silverdale Baptist Church for 35 years and served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and his passion was missions. Ernie was an avid gardener, enjoyed camping and Chattanooga Mocs football and basketball.Ernie retired from TVA after 32 years. He was a graduate of Red Bank High School, Class of 1952, and attended the University of Chattanooga.A Celebration of Life service will be held today, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. at Silverdale Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Walliser officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren.The family will receive friends today after the service at Silverdale Baptist Church. Private burial will be at Moore Cemetery with the Rev. Eddie Wilson officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to Silverdale Baptist Church Building Fund or Zambia Bucket Missions Project, 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.