In Memoriam: Michael Doyle Leech of Stuart C. Irby Co.
Michael Doyle Leech, age 72 of Franklin, Tenn., passed away on February 16, 2026.
Rob Taylor, President of Sonepar Americas (which includes Irby) said, “Mike was a proud veteran and a devoted family man, qualities that shaped the way he led, served, and cared for the people around him. Few people have embodied dedication and loyalty the way Mike did. There was never a day Mike wasn’t there for the company, and he could always be trusted to do what was right. We will miss him deeply.”
Andy Waring, Central Region President of Sonepar USA, added, “Mike was truly a beautiful person. Through him we saw the beauty of humility, perseverance, and the quest for victory. Mike lived life to the fullest and brought joy and laughter to all of us who had the privilege to know him. We are grateful for the many memories with Mike (the Boss), and his spirit will continue to inspire us.”
His family has prepared this tribute in his honor:
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 C. Irby Co., where he served for 38 years in 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/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.
A proud veteran who loved all the different facets of his military career, Mike was a Sergeant First Class with 23 years of service and was the Medical Platoon Sergeant for approximately 15 years — one of the youngest to make that rank. He retired after 20 years of service and then enlisted again.
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 and he, along with longtime friends Ralph Drury and others, started the 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 they 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.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents – Callie Doyle and Barbara Ann Silas Leech plus fur babies, Bennett and ZuZu – and is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara Conway Leech; brother, Eddie (Elizabeth “Gidget”) Leech; nephew Jesse (Paige) Leech; great nephew Creighton Leech; sister-in-law Glenda (John) Miller; fur baby Max, and other loving family members.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 14 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home along with military honors. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM prior to the service.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Waring, John Fletcher, Don Olinger, Eddie Leech, Kirk McCaleb and Charles Pareigis.
Memorials may be made to A Vintage Affair or Tunnel to Towers. For more details on the memorial service, click here.
