Leslie McLeod Jr.

Leslie McLeod Jr. of Tallahassee was born on February 3, 1925 and went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2017. We all remember and celebrate his extraordinary 92 years of a full and joyous life! Loved and adored by his parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, scores of nephews, nieces, and friends. Les was a beacon of light, laughter, love, loyalty, and integrity to all. An avid fisherman, enthusiastic pilot, inspired cook, voracious reader, dedicated church man, great singer, and lover of all sports. He was a volunteer coach on the field as well as off, always ready with an encouraging word of support and wisdom. He fostered meaningful and long-lasting relationships and was affectionately called Mr. Les, Daddy Les, Mr. Clean, Laslo, Coach Mac, Daddy-o and also Buddy, which came from his early days growing up in Ft. Greene and Wachula. He was a Navy man, a boxer, a World War II veteran, and a graduate of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Stetson University College of Law. Les began his professional and family life in Orlando, practicing law, building homes, and raising an active family. In 1970 he and his wife, Sarah Jane, his "Ace" (deceased in 1999), relocated and made Tallahassee their home. Les was a Senior Attorney for the Department of Agriculture, a board member for Flag Credit Union, and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Tallahassee where he rarely missed his cherished Sunday School class. Upon retiring, Les could regularly be found cheering on the TCC Eagles and running their concessions, where his renowned burgers and dogs were served up with a giant smile and great conversation. Mr. Les knew every player by name and every play they ever made always giving them the nurturing care of a proud grandfather. He was honored to be inducted into TCC's Hall of Fame for his generous support of the baseball program for which his son Mike is Head Coach. His tremendous love, support, and leadership toward his children as a Dad, best friend, and cherished mentor were undeniable. He made each of them feel that he was their biggest fan. He is survived by his devoted children: Debbie McLeod, Los Angeles; Bill McLeod and wife Deidre, Sarasota; Mike McLeod and wife Rose, Tallahassee; and Laura McLeod, Tallahassee. Also, his beloved grandchildren and great-grands: Garrett McLeod and wife Carrie and their children Alena, Evie and Maddox; Jennifer Marie McLeod; and David William Keene. He was predeceased by his parents and his treasured sisters, “Nellie” and “Dottie”. Les will be greatly missed, but if you listen closely, you can hear that wonderful voice singing Hallelujah with a heavenly host of angels and scores of loved ones, especially his “Ace.” A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 3:00 PM, at Bradfordville First Baptist Church, 6494 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee FL 32312. Flowers may be sent to Bevis Funeral Home, 2710 N. Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303, or memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, 8415 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee, FL 32317, or Big Bend Hospice Foundation, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd. #1, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the McLeod family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Leslie McLeod Jr.

February 3, 1925 - February 21, 2017