Clarence Leitch Tardy, 85, of Lexington, died Monday, May 22, 2006 at his farm, Sun Valley Farms.

Mr. Tardy was born on January 31, 1921 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Emmett Leitch Tardy and Carrie Fourth Greever Tardy.

He was a 1938 graduate of Effinger High School and attended Washington and Lee University.

He was the owner and operator of a multiple farming operation in Rockbridge County, containing approximately 1100 acres, producing registered and commercial Angus beef cattle.

He was a member and deacon of the Collierstown Presbyterian Church, served as Natural Bridge District Governor for Ruritan National for two terms, director for Ruritan National for 3 years, President of the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau, Vice President of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for 9 years and Vice President of Virginia Farm Bureau Mututal Insurance Companies for 9 years.

In 1976, he served as an Agricultural Representative to the Army War College in Carlisle, PA to the National Strategy Seminar. He was the chairman of the Virginia Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation State Committee from 1976 to 1976.

He was appointed by President Gerald Ford as USDA Eastern Regional Director of Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) from 1976-1977, where he was in charge of 17 eastern states and the Caribbean area and was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as Deputy Administrator of the ASCS in charge of State and County Operations for the 50 states and Puerto Rico, having charge of the 50 state offices, 3000 county offices and 16,000 employees.

Mr. Tardy served as chairman of the Rockbridge County Industrial Development Authority for 15 years and was chairman of the board for the Virginia Horse Center Foundation.

Mr. Tardy is survived by his wife, Louise Brennerman Tardy of Lexington.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at the Virginia Horse Center at the Mezzanine Level with Rev. Skip Hastings officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Collierstown Presbyterian Church, 31 Church Dr., Lexington, VA. 24450 or the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, 487 Maury River Road, Lexington, VA. 24450.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.