Marianne Gray Leech, 81, of Belvidere, Tenn., passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She and her late husband owned and operated Leech Stables in Belvidere.  Marianne accomplished more than most horsemen in the Walking Horse industry, she was a strong competitor against her peers, who were usually all men. 

She won numerous World Championships and too many blue ribbons to count.  In 2004, she and her late husband, J. T. were inducted into the prestigious Tennessee Walking Horse Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon few.  Horses were a part of her life since birth. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. T. Leech; parents, Auburn and Velma Gray; grandson, Joshua Leech and brother, Jimmy Gray. She is survived by son, Rodney (Veronica) Leech of Lynchburg, Tenn.; granddaughter, Lauren Flatt; and great-granddaughter, Amalynn Schmidt.  Graveside service will be 2:30PM on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Vanzant Cemetery with Rev. Johnny Bradford officiating. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and is located at 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398. For more information call 931-967-2222.