Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation

11/13/2025

Meet the newest member of our family here at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation, Makyla Lowe!
Makyla is our Apprentice Funeral Director and Apprentice Embalmer, and she’s already making a huge difference. Currently a student at Roane State Community College, her incredible attention to detail and work ethic keep everything spotless and running smoothly - creating the calm, comforting space families deserve during their toughest moments.
You’ll also find her serving with the same heart at Willowbrook Baptist Church and Briceville First Baptist Church. Come fall 2026, she’ll be continuing her calling at John A. Gupton College to become a fully licensed funeral director and embalmer.
We’re beyond blessed to have Makyla’s kindness, positivity, and dedication on our team.

Makyla, we’re so glad to have you!

11/12/2025

Introducing our new 2026 almanac calendars!
Pair them with our ink pen and you’ll be ready for a successful 2026!

Whether you’re planting a garden, going fishing, weaning babies/livestock, or just want to get a general idea of where the “signs“ are our calendar is for you. Come get yours!

11/11/2025

Today and every day, we honor the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you, Veterans, from the bottom of our hearts. 🇺🇸❤️

The painting is “Reflections” by Lee Teter

11/05/2025

Velma June Seiber, age 88 of Oliver Springs, formerly of the New River Community, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025 at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. She was born on June 22, 1937 to the late Arthur and Rosie Phillips Bunch. Velma enjoyed being outside in nature and always kept a nice garden when she was able. She liked music and loved to dance a twist. She was a member of Free Communion Baptist Church on New River and loved listening to and singing gospel music. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by husband, Luke Seiber; siblings, Leamond Bunch, Laymond “Moe” Bunch, Joyce Jeffers, and Oscar Bunch; and sons, Tim Seiber, Darrell Seiber, and Gary Seiber.
She is survived by: son, Danny Seiber and wife Debra; daughter-in-law, Kathy Seiber; siblings, Freeman Bunch, Zelma West, Gracie Seitz and husband Glenn, and Sue Mardis; grandchildren, Chris, Misty, Daniel, Shawn, Brandon, Patrick, and Courtney; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Josh, Jacelyn, Cainen, Madison, Eli, Daylon, Mason, Kenzie, Rodney, Macy, Cassian, and Aaliyah; great-great-grandchildren, Bransyn, Sophia, and Emilia; many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10am-12pm with the funeral service to follow at 12pm with Rev. Odis Phillips officiating. Her graveside service will then follow at the Phillips Cemetery on New River. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

11/05/2025

Hailey Mae Fraley, age 19 of Clinton, tragically passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025. She enjoyed watching horror movies and anything scary. Most of all, she loved her children. They were her world. Hailey will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by grandparents, Ted and Janice Johnson.
She is survived by: children, Payton and Marceline; husband, Elijah Fraley; siblings, Natalee Ollis, Autumn Whittington, Jeffrey Whittington, Dakota McNew; parents, Rachel Whittington and Teddy Johnson; grandmother, Lisa Gragg; grandfather, Wade Whittington; several other family members and many friends.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 5-7pm with a Celebration of Life at 7pm. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

10/28/2025

Richard Bradford, age 70 of Clinton, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. He was born on August 26, 1955 to Kyle and Maydell Johnson Bradford in Knoxville. Richard loved watching races, especially NASCAR, and was a devoted fan of the VOLS and the Braves. He had a passion for sports and enjoyed following all of them. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Kyle Bradford.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Frankie Bradford; his mother, Maydell Bradford; Sons: Ryan Bradford and wife Olivia, and Travis and Becky Marlow; Grandchildren: Evelyn Bradford, Rachel Bradford, Ezekiel Ward, Haley Vandergriff, and husband Derek, and Katie Marlow; Great-grandaughter, Hazel Vandergriff; Brother, Dale Bradford and wife Susan. Several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family will meet at the Clinch River Baptist Church Cemetery on October 29, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Lindsay officiating and the Campbell County Honor Guard presenting full military honors. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge and all of the hospice caretakers. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

10/20/2025

Melissa Calleen Wilson, age 69 of Jacksboro, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at her home. She was born on March 5, 1956 to the late Kenneth Millard and Dorothy Jean Skiller Lemon. Melissa loved the outdoors. She liked to fish, kayak, hunt, and many other things outside. Melissa was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, and will be dearly missed by her family.
She preceded in death by her first husband, Francis Mabe; her second husband, Phillip Wilson; and several other beloved family members.
Survived by daughters, Christine Snider and husband Roald, Cindy Roberts and husband Justin; son, Levi Mabe and wife Carrie Ann; siblings, Nanette Adams, and Philip Lemon; grandchildren, Jemez Horseson, Deseree Horseson, and Heather West; great-grandson, Jaxson Al-khalik; and other family and friends.
No services are planned at this time.

10/05/2025

09/29/2025

Phillip Henry Leinart, age 71 of Rocky Top, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the North Knoxville Medical Center. He was born on March 22, 1954 to the late Buford and Margaret Golden Leinart in Briceville. Phil liked going to the beach and fishing. He also enjoyed watching Andy Griffith. Most of all, Phil loved his family dearly and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jim Leinart; and sister, Suzie Lawson.
He is survived by: wife of 51 years, Kathy Leinart; children, Becca Jernigan and husband Josh, and Beth Barnes; grandchildren, Madison Coats and fiancé Jake, Taber Jernigan, Lexie Barnes, and Jordan Barnes; great-grandchild, Hudson “Hawk”; several siblings, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Pastor Marvin Seibers officiating. Graveside services will be on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 2pm at the Oak Grove Cemetery. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

09/20/2025

Charlie Kennedy, Jr., age 57 of New River, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at his home. He was born on October 15, 1967 to Charlie and Omagay Baldwin Kennedy in Oak Ridge. Charlie enjoyed hunting and fishing. He will be dearly missed by those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by father, Charlie Kennedy, Sr.
He is survived by: daughter, Samantha Kennedy; Grandchildren, Arianna Kennedy, Zachary Kennedy; mother, Omagay Kennedy; brother, Eddie Kennedy; and other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 5-7pm. His graveside service will be private. https://www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Charlie-Kennedy-Jr?obId=45473738

09/18/2025

We’re very fortunate to have the Knox County Forensic Center in our area. These ladies are always very helpful!