Dr. Gary Leazer

Gary Herbert Leazer, age 80, beloved husband of the late Ruth Leazer, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Aiken Memory Care.

Born in Keokuk, Iowa, Gary was the son of the late Herbert and Delphia Rube Leazer. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Gary pursued his education with great dedication, graduating from Mississippi College and later earning his Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He contributed to the academic community as a professor of World Religions at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia.

In his later years, Dr. Leazer moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he became an active member of the First Baptist Church of Augusta. He also was affiliated with Webb Masonic Lodge #166.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Sonya Joiner (Brad) of North Augusta, SC; his son, Davis Leazer (Brittany) of Athens, GA; three cherished grandchildren, Riley, Ali, and Makenna Joiner; as well as two brothers, Ron Leazer (Judy) of St. Louis, MO, and Tim Leazer (Callie) of Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth, who passed away in 2022, after 52 years of marriage.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday morning, December 10th, at 11 o’clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to http://masonichomeofgeorgia.com

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC