Barrett Ashton Leslie

Barrett Ashton Leslie was born May 23, 1979, in Knoxville, TN to C. Vaughn Leslie, Jr and Margaret E. Perry Leslie. He was proceeded in death by his father C. Vaughn Leslie, his paternal grandparents, Claude, V. and Elizabeth Shirley Leslie, and his maternal grandparents R. Howard and Elizabeth Hitchins Perry. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Leslie, and brother Matthew V. Leslie.

Barrett was fun loving, as a curly, red headed young child. He attended Bearden Elementary School, Bearden Middle School, and West High School in Knoxville. He was active in soccer and later in football and wrestling in high school. After taking a few classes at Walter State College in Morristown and Pellissippi State College in Knoxville, he enrolled at Rockport College’s film school in Rockport, Maine. There he created Rockport College’s first ever animation movie, Slow Guy in the Fast Lane. After graduation in May 2004, he went on to receive Best Film award at the Secret City Film Festival.

Later he moved to Fairfield, Iowa where he attended Maharishi University and received his bachelors’ degree. The following semester he enrolled at the Illinois Institute of Technology. While there, he was active in the Science and Mathematics organization that served five universities. During that time, he was awarded first place for his presentation concerning fractals. He graduated in May 2015 with a degree in applied math.

After that time, he returned to Knoxville TN and began to work with his father at Appalachian Claims Service. When Vaughn died in October 2016, Barrett stepped up to help run the company. In 2017 he left the company and moved to Middle Tennessee. He completed many survival training courses and received credentials as Emergency Medical Technician. During 2022, he changed his name to Michael A. Grey. He was very interested in technology that supported one’s health and spiritual development. In fall of 2023 he moved to Boulder Colorado.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Buddy’s Barbecue Banquet Hall in Knoxville TN on May 4th: 5:30 PM to 9 PM. If planning to attend please contact Margaret Leslie at 865-607-0173 or Matthew Leslie at 865-805-5795. Texting is fine.