Harold Alvan Lecher Jr.

We are sad to learn that Army Veteran, Harold Alvan Lecher, Jr., recently passed away.

Harold was born on April 11, 1947, in Dover, NJ. He was raised in Ledgewood, NJ and he graduated from Roxbury High School in 1965.He Graduated From Old Dominion College Va with a degree in Accounting and Bachelor’s in Business in the Army, Harold entered the Army in October, 1967. He completed his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC then Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, VA. Harold then completed airborne training at Fort Benning, GA. He worked in supply and also the armory during his career in the Army. Harold deployed to Vietnam in April, 1968 with the 173rd Support Battalion. He remained in Vietnam until January, 1970. Harold earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Parachute Badge during the Vietnam War. His next assignment was at Fort Bragg, NC with the 82nd Airborne Division. He completed his second tour to Vietnam with the 173rd Support Battalion from July, 1970 to February, 1971. Harold served in Germany from September, 1971 to August, 1974. During the remaining time of his career, Harold was station at Fort Bragg, NC and then again in Germany from August, 1982 to July, 1985. He also served six months in Honduras. Harold retired from the Army in December 1988 with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

After retiring from the Army, Harold worked in a warehouse and drove a forklift for Ikea in North Carolina. He moved to Blount County in 1998 and he worked for Ryder Cross Docks in Alcoa, TN. His spouse of 41 years, Chris Lecher, is also a Veteran and they met in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1982 when they were both stationed there. He is a Father of two Daughters, Kimberly Lecher and Patricia Lecher and Grandfather of Three Grandchildren, His Parents Harold Alvan Lecher Sr and Irma Ritzer Lecher.
He loved his German Shepherds, His Cats, woodworking, and his guns. He also loved to read and a Avid bowler and Loved All Sports Especially Softball and Football, He belonged to the VFW, American Legion, Life Member of the NRA, The German Shepherd Club of America and the German Shepherd Club of East Tennessee He also belonged to Fairview United Methodist Church.

Sadly, Harold passed away on April 19, 2023. He was 76 years old. He will be laid to rest at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

We send our sincere condolences to his family. We were very proud of his service in the Army and the Vietnam War. May he rest in peace. Graveside services and interment will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with Dr. Jerry Russell officiating. Mr. Lecher will receive full military honors.  Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com