Roger Steven Leitner, Sr. passed away on January 5th, 2025, at the age of 77. Roger was born in Boise, Idaho. He was the youngest son of parents Elton & Sally Leitner. His family moved to Morrocco when he was 5 years old and later moved to Italy. When he was 13, they returned to the US & lived in Arlington, VA.  He graduated from Lincoln Memorial University where he met and married his soul mate and love of his life, Beverly Stooksbury Leitner. Roger served in the US Army as a Military Policeman stationed in Korea. Roger began his career as a commercial banker in Knoxville with Park Bank. He retired from Regions Bank and then became one of the early associates when Pinnacle Bank opened a
very successful Knoxville o ice. As a banker, Roger was respected by his associates, his clients, and the community. Roger was a great commercial banker, being completely trustworthy, honest, and genuinely concerned about both his clients and the bank. He was a traditional banker in manner and dress, holding out with coat and ties and often suspenders, long after many had gone to casual attire. Roger was curious and was interested in history and current events. Notably absent from his interests was football, and Roger made a point every Sunday to find out how the Tennessee Vols had done that weekend, primarily because he knew everybody else in town would expect him to know that on Monday. He developed many strong personal relationships with his fellow bankers. One in particular was Dianne McGaha, his administrative assistant for many years. Roger was an avid collector, and seldom threw anything away that was possibly serviceable. His basement was evidence of his varied interests, including but not limited to woodworking, photography, antique guns, machinery of all kinds, old cars (think Porsche & Volvo), beer making, & the drinking of Scotch & fine wines.  Nothing made him happier than talking with others about their shared interests. He got
great pleasure in encouraging & supporting his children & grandchildren in their own interests & passions. Roger was truly a Renaissance man and enjoyed studying and becoming knowledgeable in his many pursuits. Roger was an avid cyclist. He was a great supporter of the MS Society and did their annual 150-mile ride for over 30 years raising thousands of dollars for the cause. Roger is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; daughter Laura Shields & husband Craig; Son R. Steven Leitner, Jr. & wife Holly; Grandchildren Anna & Sophia Shields, Russell & Roger S. Leitner, III; Brothers Neil & wife Lys , Clayne & wife Sharon; Sister-in Law Lisa Tavangaran & husband Mansour; much-loved cousin BarbaraYoung & a truckload of nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Elton & Sally Leitner; Father & Mother-in-Law Carlock & Juanita Stooksbury; & Sister-in-Law Joan Brown & husband Geron.
The funeral service is at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Norris, TN, on Saturday, Jan 18.  Receiving of friends from 1-3 with service following at 3:00 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Francis Episcopal Church, PO Box 29 Norris, TN 37828.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Roger's family

www.holleygamble.com