CHESTER WILLIAM LEATHERS Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Chester William Leathers (85) of Gainesville, Florida passed away on June 9, 2022 at the Haven - E.T. York Hospice Center in Gainesville, Florida. He is survived by his immediate family: loving wife Joanna Wanzenberg Leathers, sons Bradley Wanzenberg of Gainesville (Francie), Matthew Wanzenberg of Wheaton, Illinois (Anne), and Christopher Wanzenberg of Maitland, Florida (Massie), and his beloved grandchildren Alex Wanzenberg, Anna Wanzenberg, Will Wanzenberg, Kate Wanzenberg, Wright Wanzenberg, Cole Wanzenberg and Lucy Joanna Wanzenberg. Chester was born in Athens, Georgia on December 30, 1936 to Frederick and Pearl Leathers. Chester attended Athens High School, serving as President of his high school class for three years and as Captain of the high school ROTC. Chester was a leader on the field, lettering and captaining in baseball, football, and basketball, as well as leading these teams to Regional and State titles. In his young adulthood, Chester was active in the YMCA, and served as a camp leader at his beloved Athens Y Camp. Chester attended the University of Georgia, lettering in baseball and basketball while earning Top 10 Senior Class Athlete and the Governors Trophy for Fraternity Athletics. For these accomplishments and many more, Chester was honored as a member of the Athens Athletic Hall of Fame. Chester was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (Georgia Beta Chapter) and served as the Chapter Chaplain. In his ongoing commitment to ROTC at the University of Georgia, Chester earned the distinction of Outstanding Senior Officer and rose to Cadet Colonel of the UGA Air Force ROTC. Chester graduated from the University in 1958 with a Bachelors of Science degree. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after graduation, Chester served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Ashiya Air Force Base in Japan as well as Oxnard Air Force Base in California. Chester was honorably discharged and retired from service in 1961 as a Captain in the USAF. Chester earned a Masters Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. He later earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia, contributing to research and policy in higher educational administration. Chester was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida. In professional life, Chester was a lifelong educator building community education programs in Florida and Georgia through his affiliation with the UGA Center for Continuing Education and as Associate Dean for Continuing Education and Graduate Faculty in the College of Education at the University of Florida. He was coordinator for the Southern Governors Conference, supporting policy development for then president-elect Jimmy Carter and helped to establish the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) system used today in business and industry. He served on many state advisory boards for continuing education for the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College. Chester was a founding member of the Black-on-Black Crime Task Force. In Gainesville, perhaps Chester was most well known as both the Director of Community Education Joint Programs at SFCC and as a servant-leader as an elected Member and Chairman of the Alachua County School Board. Those who knew Chester recognize his indelible commitment to inclusion, diversity, and the racial integration at the University of Georgia, the Clarke County School System, and the YMCA of Athens, Georgia. Chester was a loving and supportive father, adoring grandfather, loyal friend, and beloved spouse whose vision and passion inspired many athletes, leaders, and educators. If there ever was an open park bench in his path, Chester could make instant friends by sharing his love for golf, college football, and his beloved Bulldogs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haven Foundation/E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville Florida. A memorial service will be planned at a date to be determined. 2 Cor 5:1: For we know that when this tent we live in--our body here on earth--is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever.

CHESTER WILLIAM LEATHERS

December 30, 1936 - June 9, 2022