Obituary for Leigh McEachern
Leigh Oliver McEachern III, age 84, residing in Chuluota, FL, peacefully went home to be with his heavenly father on November 6, 2021, surrounded by his family.
Leigh was born on February 1, 1937 in Clearwater, FL, to Leigh Oliver, Jr & Ila McEachern. He has 3 siblings, Raymond McEachern, Lynda Haislip and William McEachern all residing in FL.
He graduated from Plant City HS in 1955 and joined the Marine Corp shortly thereafter.
After graduating from the Police Academy in St. Petersburg, FL, Leigh was a police officer and detective at the St. Petersburg Police Dept from 1962-1968, during which he was awarded officer of the year by the Rotary Club in 1966.
His career in law enforcement continued as he moved to Winter Park, FL, (1970-1972) and was employed with the WPPD as Staff Inspector, promoted to Deputy Chief, then elevated to acting Chief when the Chief was appointed Sheriff of Orange County. Leigh also joined the OCSD as Chief Deputy.
Later in life he was instrumental in developing a training and education program for inmates in the county jail through his position of Dept Chairman, Diversified Cooperative Training at Orange County Public Schools (1987-1993). The Phoenix Program was the culmination and became a national role model for the county jails.
Leigh was active in his community, serving on the Seminole County Natural Lands Committee, and a deacon for First Baptist of Chuluota.
Leigh had two children (Renee and Scott) and a step son (Jon Swanson) from his previous marriages. He then married Pamela in 1986 and gained four additional children (Terri, Chris, Traci, and Patrick). Leigh was also the first to open his doors to those who weren’t as fortunate to have such a loving family. After officially becoming foster parents, Leigh and Pam took a leap of faith and adopted eight children (Wilson, Patricia, Ricky, Chris, Brandon, Tyler, Kesha, and Ashley). Why so many? Because Leigh wanted to make sure that all the children who had siblings stayed together. He also has 14 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren. Leigh enjoyed quoting favorite authors and generals. One of these is: The key to the history of the world is the kingdom of God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
The memorial service will be held this Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at 6PM, First Baptist Church of Chuluota, 201 Lake Mills Rd, Chuluota, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to The Pregnancy Center of Sanford, 1003 S. French Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. 407-323-3384. Online donations: www.thedifferenceislife.org.
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Leigh was born on February 1, 1937 in Clearwater, FL, to Leigh Oliver, Jr & Ila McEachern. He has 3 siblings, Raymond McEachern, Lynda Haislip and William McEachern all residing in FL.
He graduated from Plant City HS in 1955 and joined the Marine Corp shortly thereafter.
After graduating from the Police Academy in St. Petersburg, FL, Leigh was a police officer and detective at the St. Petersburg Police Dept from 1962-1968, during which he was awarded officer of the year by the Rotary Club in 1966.
His career in law enforcement continued as he moved to Winter Park, FL, (1970-1972) and was employed with the WPPD as Staff Inspector, promoted to Deputy Chief, then elevated to acting Chief when the Chief was appointed Sheriff of Orange County. Leigh also joined the OCSD as Chief Deputy.
Later in life he was instrumental in developing a training and education program for inmates in the county jail through his position of Dept Chairman, Diversified Cooperative Training at Orange County Public Schools (1987-1993). The Phoenix Program was the culmination and became a national role model for the county jails.
Leigh was active in his community, serving on the Seminole County Natural Lands Committee, and a deacon for First Baptist of Chuluota.
Leigh had two children (Renee and Scott) and a step son (Jon Swanson) from his previous marriages. He then married Pamela in 1986 and gained four additional children (Terri, Chris, Traci, and Patrick). Leigh was also the first to open his doors to those who weren’t as fortunate to have such a loving family. After officially becoming foster parents, Leigh and Pam took a leap of faith and adopted eight children (Wilson, Patricia, Ricky, Chris, Brandon, Tyler, Kesha, and Ashley). Why so many? Because Leigh wanted to make sure that all the children who had siblings stayed together. He also has 14 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren. Leigh enjoyed quoting favorite authors and generals. One of these is: The key to the history of the world is the kingdom of God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
The memorial service will be held this Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at 6PM, First Baptist Church of Chuluota, 201 Lake Mills Rd, Chuluota, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to The Pregnancy Center of Sanford, 1003 S. French Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. 407-323-3384. Online donations: www.thedifferenceislife.org.
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