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In keeping with his kind, gentle spirit, Clyde Aaron Leatherwood, Jr. peacefully slipped the bonds of Earth on January 29, 2021, while at home in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 74. His family will forever long for his loving, caring presence and support; his many friends and sailing companions will miss his faithfulness and good humor.
Clyde was born May 13, 1946, in the southeast Texas town of Beaumont to Clyde Aaron Leatherwood, Sr. and Anna Margaret Leatherwood. He was the eldest of three brothers—Louis, Walter, and John. The family lived in Houston, where Clyde attended Jesse H. Jones High School. He graduated in 1964 and joined the United States Army, serving from 1965 to 1969. In high school, Clyde met the love of his life, Sherri Denise Williamson. They married on August 8, 1966, and immediately moved to Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, where Clyde was assigned to the Army Security Agency (ASA), Kuma Station. It was the beginning of a beautiful, shared adventure that lasted more than 54 years.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1969, Clyde and Sherri returned to the States, made their home in Houston, and began raising a family. Eventually, they bought a home in Spring, northeast of Houston. Lisa Michelle was born in 1971, followed by Aaron Dorry in 1976. While Sherri kept their home and cared for Lisa and Aaron, Clyde worked full-time as an electrical technician for Houston Lighting & Power Co. while attending night classes at the University of Houston. He graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Eight years later, Clyde moved his family to the Northeast to accept a lucrative job opportunity. After a short stay in Maryland, they settled again in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He put his engineering education to practice working for Beach Professional Services, where he remained for 13 years. Clyde was also a lifetime member of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
Clyde’s father instilled in him a love of water, sailing, traveling, and exploring at a very young age. Throughout the years they lived in Virginia Beach, Clyde and Sherri owned several increasingly larger sailing vessels, taking advantage of the Virginia coastline and the nearby Intracoastal Waterway to enjoy sunny afternoons on the water with family and friends. They were skilled at piloting their crafts and adventurous by nature, but they occasionally found themselves in a dicey situation on the water—rich fodder for storytelling and laughs in later years!
Ultimately, Clyde retired at age 55 to pursue his sailing passion. He and Sherri picked up household and headed south, living aboard sailing yachts for the next 17 years along the coastlines of Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. Along the way, they developed a large network of friends in the sailing community and numerous lifelong relationships. In 2017, they reluctantly gave up the live-aboard life and made a new home in Vero Beach, Florida, where he became a member of the Vero Beach Power Squadron.
Unassuming, low-maintenance, and reserved in nature, Clyde was a highly intelligent man who instilled a love of academic pursuits in his children. He was an avid reader, loved classical music, and was enthusiastic about all things technical. Lisa inherited his passion for reading and life-long learning; Aaron shared his Dad’s fervor for sailing and the sea. He taught them always to be kind to others, especially those who seemed most in need. Clyde was an in-the-flesh math guru—no exaggeration—and he could fix absolutely anything. Generous and self-sacrificing, he was always eager to help friends with any project; nothing was too daunting a challenge. He consistently gave the best of everything to others and kept the least for himself. He was that kind of selfless man.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Sherri, of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter, Lisa M. Raum, and husband, Terry, of Key West, Florida; son, Aaron D. Leatherwood and wife, Brittani, of Davie, Florida; granddaughters, Emma Maurine and Brooke, of Davie; and brothers, Walter Leatherwood, of Lake Jackson, Texas, and John Leatherwood, of Normandy Park, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Louis.
It was Clyde’s wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the waters that he so loved.
The Lord is my pilot, I shall not go adrift;
He lighteth my passage across dark channels;
He steereth me through the deep waters,
He keepeth my log.
He guideth me by the evening star for my safety’s sake.
Yes, though I sail mid the thunders and tempests of life,
I fear no peril, for Thou art with me,
Thy stars and heavens, they comfort me.
The vastness of the sea upholds me.
Though preparest a harbour for me in the homeland of eternity;
Thou anointest the waves with oil; my ship rideth calmly.
Surely fair winds and safe harbors shall be found on the voyage I take,
And I shall dock, in the port of God, secure forever.
Amen.
In keeping with Clyde’s selfless nature and in place of a formal service, the family requests that a memorial donation be made to the local organization that provided so much care, love, and support to Clyde during his time confronting Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body dementia:
The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County in Vero Beach, Florida at https://alzpark.org/donate.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Nancy and Terry Warner - Florida Friends
February 1, 2021, 4:14 pm
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful husband, father and friend. Even though we only met your parents in the last several years of Clyde’s life, we were drawn to them and quickly became friends. Please accept our sincere condolences for your family’s loss. Love and prayers for peace, Nancy and Terry
Sharon Beaudette - Acquaintances from Texas
February 1, 2021, 4:48 pm
A wonderful tribute to Clyde’s life. After reading this, I wish I’d met Clyde and Sherri earlier. In many ways, their life events mirrored ours. Condolences to the family and may Clyde’s memory be a blessing to you. Sharon and Chip Beaudette
NancyKnowland - Friend
February 1, 2021, 8:04 pm
Such a beautiful and true tribute to a life well lived. Our cruising memories of Clyde&Sherri&m/vMorada at Brunswick Landing Marina are so full of laughter, lessons learned, and late nights playing Chicken Foot with some of the most fun people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Forever memories. Love, Nancy&Dan Knowland. s/v Maja
Phil and Sue Mowbray - Friends
February 1, 2021, 9:03 pm
We met Clyde and Sherri in 1966 in Chitose Japan. Although after that three years, because of the physical distance between us, we only had a few visits but we kept in touch and have many great memories with them. Clyde will be missed by all that knew him and we will continue to pray for Sherri as she heals from this great loss. Phil and Sue Mowbray
Suzanne W Gasparotto - sister in law
February 1, 2021, 10:53 pm
My brother-in-law Clyde Leatherwood was an honorable, hard-working man who took good care of his wife and family. I am saddened by the suffering he had to endure in order to leave this life. He didn’t deserve such suffering. God Speed, Sergeant Major.
Charlotte King - Friend to Sherri
February 2, 2021, 1:35 pm
Such a beautiful tribute to loving family man and friend to so many. Our prayers go out to Sherri and his family during this difficult time of loss. Ray and Charlotte King
Paula Evans - Friend
February 2, 2021, 3:01 pm
Dear Lisa and family, Such a beautiful and moving tribute to your father. Our memories of our loved ones are to be cherished. Sending you prayers of peace and strength during this time. Your friends, Paula and John, Big Pine Key, Fl
Sondra Williamson - Sherri's sister, Aaron's and Lisa's aunt
February 2, 2021, 6:07 pm
Sherri, Lisa and Aaron, You know how much I loved your Dad; he has been a part of my life since I was 14 years old. A better man, husband and father never lived. He was even a good father to Trish when she was young for which I’ll be forever grateful, and always her favorite uncle. I know there are some difficult days ahead for each of you, but be comforted by the knowledge that you took the very best of care of him until the very end. He couldn’t have had a more loving family. His suffering is over, and I’ll be the wind is in his sails and sea salt in his nostrils right now! Love to you all, Sondra
Gregory Colson - Old School Friend
February 2, 2021, 9:24 pm
You will be missed Clyde. May the sun and stars guide you on your future journeys. RIP sir.
Stew & Diana Kauffman - Sailing / live aboard friends
February 2, 2021, 10:13 pm
So sorry to hear but certainly Clyde’s sailing waters have become much calmer. From Chesapeake Bay waters to the Bahamas and beyond, it was our privilege to have shared the waters with him!
Lynne Anderson - Friend and cruiser
February 2, 2021, 10:29 pm
Oh Sherri sincere sympathies. You both were wonderful cruising partners and the wonderful memories are in my heart! It is very hard to lose our spouses and I am. Here for you. Bob and Clyde meeting in the great beyond sharing the memories we all made. Hugs and love to you and your family. God bless
Cheryl Highstreet and Russ Moyses - Friends
February 2, 2021, 10:35 pm
Rest on a quiet sea, Clyde. We’re so glad we had a chance to get to be your friends, even for a short time. We had good times at Grove Isle parties. We never got to see you sail, which we’re sure you did very well, but we did get to see you dance! Our condolences to your loving family.
DENNIS & KATHY FRAZHO - Neighbor
February 3, 2021, 12:51 am
Dennis & Kathy Frazho Such a beautiful tribute to Clyde. My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband. Clyde was a very good person with a kind heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charlotte and Carroll Nabors - Friends
February 3, 2021, 1:08 am
Charlotte and Carroll Nabors. We met Clyde and Sherri during our stays in Vero Beach during the winter months. We stayed in our camper across the street from them for many years. Clyde was such a great person and friend. Our prayers are with all of the family.
Ann Barr and Lynn Harden - Cruising friends
February 3, 2021, 1:36 am
Our cruising life includes lots of wonderful memories and as Nancy and Dan Knowland said, many were from the nights at Brunswick Landing Marina playing Chicken foot with Clyde and Sherrie. I will never think of Dock 10 without thinking of Marada at the end of the dock. Clyde, you will always be remembered.
Ed and Nancy Sergi - Friends from BLM
February 3, 2021, 2:06 am
Clyde was a true Gentle Man. Ed and I enjoyed our times together on dock 10 at BLM and at Bennies Red Barn with you both. We thank you for all the memories you gave us. A special light has gone out but he will always be remembered.
Jeff and Kathleen Ferro - Friend
February 3, 2021, 2:11 am
Jeff and I are so sorry to hear about Clydes passing. So glad we got to spend some time with him and Sherri when they visited in TX. His sweet and gentle memories will be cherished by many. We’ll keep your family in our many thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Sally Stewart - Friend from Spring, Tx
February 3, 2021, 7:44 am
My dear friend Sherri my heart aches for you.
Elaine and John Fantozzi
February 3, 2021, 2:12 pm
Sympathy and prayers for Clydes family. He is in his forever home now. R I P ✝️☮
Nikki and alan - Friend
February 3, 2021, 2:32 pm
So sorry Sheri. Knew Clyde for such a short time but it was so easy to see what a gentle and kind man he was he us in our prayers as well as the rest of his family. Sincerely Nikki and Alan stone
Karen & Tim Peterson - Friends from Texas
February 3, 2021, 6:01 pm
Clyde’s obituary is a beautiful reflection of who he was as a person. He left a footprint of love in our hearts. We smile when we think of him. We know he is watching over you and he is in a better place. We wish we were with you to give you all a big hug. We know you miss him so much. We too are sad. We send you our love, and may you feel the presence of Gods love during this sad time.
Tim and Diane Leighton - Friend
February 3, 2021, 6:50 pm
In all the years of sailing with Clyde and Sherri, he was never without a grin! One time, when we had a pretty big gatherings of boats from our cruising group, a really, REALLY bad thunderstorm rolled through. Their boat, like most in the anchorage, drug anchor and somehow made it from one end of the bay to the other without any damage. When it was all over, I saw Clyde and all he said was, with that big smile, “that was an interesting few minutes!” That was the Clyde we knew. A superb sailor, all-around nice guy and a lot of fun to hang out with. Our heartfelt condolences to Sherri and the whole family. Calm sea Captain.
Linda Maynard - Friend
February 3, 2021, 9:50 pm
Sherri, I am so very sorry for your great loss. Although I only knew the both of you for such a short period of time. I saw the kind and sweet man Clyde was. As. his caregiver, I so enjoyed my time with him.
Ed and Marie Soltysiak - Sailor and another EE night school grad
February 3, 2021, 9:51 pm
Clyde will always be remembered as a kind and quiet member of the Vero Beach Power Sq.. Sincerely Ed and Marie Soltysiak
Diane & Bob Rivenburgh - Friend
February 3, 2021, 11:22 pm
What a beautiful and loving tribute to Clyde’s life. We wish we had gotten to know him better, but the timing was off. Sherri, Bob and I were so sorry to hear of Clyde’s passing, but he remains in our prayers as you and your children do. May God give you the strength to handle this great loss.
Sherrie jackson - Friend
February 4, 2021, 3:21 am
When you met Clyde you knew immediately what kind of kind soul he was. Had some good laughs with him and Sherri and i know he will be sorely missed. I hope the time the two had as a married couple will ease the pain for the entire family. Clyde was a true gentlemen. R.I.P. friend i will miss you and Sheri i hope you know you were loved,
Charles and Susan Devitt - Friends
February 5, 2021, 5:16 am
Chuck and Susan Devitt, and our son, Eric, friends, Virginia Beach: To Sherri, Aaron and Lisa we extend our love in this time of sorrow. It seems from these comments we all appreciated Clyde’s calm, good humor and generous spirit. These could almost conceal Clyde’s tremendous competence in his engineering vocation and sailing avocation. Most importantly, Sherri and he created a wonderful family. They’ve shown us the American Dream.
Ed Dooley and Connie Corbett — boating friends - Boating friends
February 5, 2021, 6:30 pm
Clyde and Sherrie. What a team! Connie and I were privileged to know and enjoy them both for two decades. Clyde’s legendary kindness was always on display. Sherrie’s amazing care for him during his cruel illness was unflinching. We thank Clyde for his friendship, cherish his memory and extend sincere condolences to the family.
Ken & Suzie Beard - Friends from many years ago.
February 6, 2021, 2:31 am
Our time with you and Clyde was short but we have always thought of you guys. Praying for you Sherri.
Patricia Kiehne - Dear Friend
February 8, 2021, 12:56 pm
Jerry and Tricia Kiehne: A great love story was played out in CLYDE and Sherri’s life together. All their dreams were fulfilled in a wonderful life on the water. Jerry and I shared many moments of joy as we sailed together on the Chesapeake Bay. Of course my heart aches for Sherri’s loss, but she will eventually take comfort in all their beautiful memories together and the fact that CLYDE is finally at peace. God be with you Sherri in the days to come.