Remembering Richard “Dick” Leathers: A Legacy of Service at Eldridge
Richard “Dick” Leathers spent more than three decades with Eldridge building relationships, sharing stories, and earning the respect of those around him. He was known as much for his determination and professional accomplishments as he was for his generosity and genuine care for others.
Following his passing in July 2026, we reflect on a man whose memorable personality and dedication to others made him a cherished member of the Eldridge family.
Dick was the top-performing salesman for several years, driven by a competitive spirit and a remarkable ability to build customer relationships. His determination was especially evident when one of his largest accounts encountered difficulties due to a vendor’s quality issues. Rather than becoming discouraged, Dick redirected his efforts toward an entirely different market, ultimately developing new business that surpassed his previous success.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick was known for his personality, wit, and gift for storytelling. Whether recounting experiences with customers, vendors, or friends, he always had a story to share.
At a retirement celebration for fellow longtime employee Grant Bodine, Dick wrote and performed a memorable monologue honoring his friend and colleague, a moment that remains one of Eldridge CEO Joe Davis’s favorite memories of their time working together.
Outside of work, Dick was deeply devoted to his faith, family, and community. He served as an elder at Grace Presbyterian Church, supported numerous nonprofit organizations, and shared a passion for helping others with his wife of 60 years, Rita.
Perhaps the clearest reflection of Dick’s impact at Eldridge came at his retirement celebration, when more than 100 of his customers attended to thank him personally for his years of service. For Joe Davis, that remarkable turnout reflected Dick’s servant’s heart, a quality he admired most about his longtime colleague.
Dick’s legacy lives on through the relationships he built and the example he set for those who worked alongside him. We are grateful for Dick’s many contributions to our company and the lasting impact he made.