David Leatherwood Honored For 52 Years In The Grocery Business

One of Chattanooga’s most respected grocery store managers is retiring on Friday.  David Leatherwood started in 1969 and has since worked for Red Food Store, Bi-Lo and Food City. 

 

Mr. Leatherwood greeted about 150 friends on Thursday at the Cross Creek Church of Christ, which is next door to the Hixson Supermarket.    

 

Food City president Steve Smith called Leatherwood “a true professional and gentleman”. 

 

Mr.

Leatherwood, known to play the University of Tennessee football games in his stores, was presented a UT rocking chair by Mr. Smith.  Mr. Leatherwood has received many awards including the 1985 Red Food Store manager of the year. 

 

Mr. Leatherwood  said in 52 years he only broke the law once.  In the blizzard of 1993, he admitted that he violated the city blue law on Sunday morning by opening at 10 a.m.  He said the parking lot was full of customers.  He noted his third one in the door was Chattanooga Mayor Gene Roberts.  He said he apologized to the mayor who responded “we’re all here to get bread and milk, hope you have plenty.”

 

Mr. Leatherwood said he remembered Richard Floyd bringing basketball legend Michael Jordan to the store for a Coca Cola promotion.  He said probably the most famous person beside Jordan he got to meet was his favorite coach at the time Doug Dickey.   

 

A host of officials presented Mr. Leatherwood awards.  Bob White represented Third District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann.  He noted in the early days he worked with Mr. Leatherwood at the Rivermont Red Food Store.  State Rep. Robin Smith presented a thank you resolution from the legislature and Governor.  County Commissioner Greg Martin praised Mr. Leatherwood for his contributions to the Hixson Community. Commissioner Martin said, “Our country was built on people like David Leatherwood.” 

 

County Mayor Jim Coppinger gave Mr. Leatherwood the  “Distinguished Citizen Award”.  The mayor praised him for giving a lot of young people a chance and teaching them the American work ethic. 

 

The retiring manager was recognized by Hixson High Coach Garrick Hall for supporting the school’s sports program. Mr. Leatherwood had previously been inducted into the Hixson High School Hall of Fame.    During the three hours reception Mr. Leatherwood spoke to each individual customer at the gathering and thanked all his employees for their hard word. 

 

Jamie Cannon has been with Food City for five years.  She said she will really miss Mr. Leatherwood. Ms. Cannon said Leatherwood really cares about each one of us. 

 

Mr. Leatherwood closed by saying “in all the years he’d never been robbed but came close several times.” Food City operates 135 stores in five states with 17,000 employees. 

 

President Smith said the chain is looking forward to breaking ground for their new downtown supermarket  in early summer in the old Carter Distributing building on Broad Street.