Fallen Hero: Retired Sergeant First Class Michael Doyle Leech

Franklin, TN

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Funeral Home

Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero.  Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on February 16, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant First Class Michael Doyle Leech, age 80, Franklin, TN, who had served in the HHC, 155th Armored Brigade, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

Michael Doyle Leech, age 72 of Franklin, TN passed away February 16, 2026. Mike was a devoted family man, loyal friend and proud veteran which were qualities that shaped the way he led, served, and cared for the people around him.

Mike was the former President with Stuart Irby Company where he served for 38 years. He held a wide range of roles, beginning in the warehouse and learning the business from the ground up. He built relationships with fellow colleagues and customers long before he had a title in front of his name. Mike moved into branch operations, then into sales leadership, eventually serving as Vice President of Sales and, for the last four years of his career, as President of Irby. He became only the second company president outside of the Irby family, a testament to the trust, respect, and confidence so many people had in him. There was never a day Mike wasn’t there for the company.

Mike was a Sergeant First Class with 23 years of service. He was the Medical Platoon Sergeant for approximately 15 years. Mike was one of the youngest to make that rank. He retired after 20 years of service and then enlisted again. He truly loved all the different facets of his military career.

Mike was an avid runner. His passion led him to be in 10 marathons including winning the Tupelo Marathon in under three hours.

Mike had a giving heart, along with his wife, Barbara. They were very involved in The Vintage Affair in Franklin. He along with longtime friends, Ralph Drury and others started this charity to help those in need in the community. Mike’s love for fine wine helped incorporate wines and people together to do good for others. Mike and Barbara’s philanthropic acts were consistent for 26 years and never missed an event. Through this association, many friendships were developed. Mike loved to have Saturday morning calls with friends and an afternoon cocktail with a fine cigar. His kind spirit will be deeply missed by all.

Preceded in death by parents, Callie Doyle and Barbara Ann Silas Leech; fur babies, Bennett and ZuZu.