Mr. William Herman Lesslie

WEST COLUMBIA William Herman Lesslie, 91, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at his residence at Laurel Crest in West Columbia, S.C. Born in Rock Hill, S.C. on October 6, 1925, he was the son of the late Elloree Walker Lesslie and William Sloan Lesslie. He graduated from Rock Hill High School, volunteered for the U.S. Navy when he was 17 and enrolled in the U.S. Navy V-12 program at the University of South Carolina. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York where he graduated from Midshipmen’s school and was commissioned a naval officer. Ordered to the Pacific, he served active duty on a destroyer escort until 1945. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 1949. He was recalled during the Korean War and continued in the Naval Reserve for 25 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He served in various capacities with the Internal Revenue Service, retiring as the head of the SC Large Case Group. He is survived by his wife, Jean Glasscock Lesslie; two sons, William Herman Lesslie, Jr. (Gina) of Columbia, S.C., James Cochran Lesslie (Cyndi), of Dalton, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Ann Tipton Lesslie Francis (Kent) of Memphis, Tenn., Virginia Walker Lesslie, of Charleston, S.C., Jason Franklin Lesslie (Kellan) of Nashville, Tenn., Ryan Tolbert Lesslie of Chattanooga, Tenn., Jordan Price Crabtree of Dalton, Ga., Kylee Elizabeth Lesslie of Dalton, Ga., and Eric William Lesslie of Chattanooga, Tenn., as well as a large and loving extended family. “Buddy,” as he was known to his grandchildren, had a kind and generous nature and always had time for others. An accomplished public speaker, he had a keen sense of humor that made everyone around him feel comfortable. A lifelong member of the Association Reformed Presbyterian Church, he was active as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday school teacher, member of the Board of Church Extension, and Treasurer of the Denomination among many other positions. He had a deep faith that was evident to all who knew him. At his home at the Laurel Crest Retirement Community, he served as Chairman of the Residents Board, Treasurer of the gift shop, and spent hours working in the Memory Garden. He also volunteered with the Alston Wilkes Society in Greenville, S.C., working in their prison ministries program. He was involved with Meals on Wheels in Columbia, driving a route into his mid 80’s. A loyal South Carolina fan, he loved attending football games with his sons, rarely missing a game. He was recognized as the Legendary Fan at this season’s Texas A&M game after 56 consecutive years as a member of the Gamecock Club. He treasured annual family trips to the beach and tending tomatoes in his garden. An avid traveler, he and wife Jean visited 68 different countries and all seven continents. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. in Neely’s Creek ARP Church Cemetery in Rock Hill, S.C. Memorials may be made to Senior Resources Inc. (Meals on Wheels) www.SeniorResourcesInc.org or First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201. .