John Barry Lesley lived a life filled with love, both given and received. Barry Lesley, who was 80 years old and from Charlotte, NC, passed away on January 13, 2024 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House, surrounded by his loved ones.
Barry was born on May 18, 1943, in Salisbury, NC, to the late Rev. Sam J. and Ruby (Bogle) Lesley. He grew up in Rowan and Stanly counties, where his father was a pastor at various churches. His name frequently appeared in the local paper due to his consistent presence on the honor roll. Barry graduated from Millingport School in 1961 and then went on to earn a degree in Economics from Pfeiffer University and a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Florida. After graduate school, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army for 3 years. Some of his fondest memories while in the army came from serving for a year in Frankfurt, Germany.
After his military service, Barry was Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It was here that he developed a love for Charlotte 49ers Basketball. He later worked as the Chief Financial Officer at First Federal Savings and Loan. Following his time at the bank, he owned and operated J&M Mortgage. After retirement, Barry enjoyed driving fleet cars for Enterprise two days a week.
Barry's greatest loves were his two daughters and five granddaughters, who called him PopPop. He took great pride in them and never missed a softball game, gymnastics competition, or cheerleading event. Barry was known for his sense of humor, unwavering care for others, generosity, and willingness to share his thoughts and opinions. He enjoyed joking with his son-in-laws, cooking excellent meals, cheering on the Carolina Panthers, and chatting with new and old friends. Though he is greatly missed, PopPop will always live on in his granddaughters, each of whom carries a little bit of him in their characters and loves him deeply.
Barry is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Evelyn (Greene) Lesley, his brother, Arnold Lesley, and his beloved sister-in-law, Peggy Lesley. He is survived by his daughter, Jenny Earnhardt, and her husband, David; his daughter, Megan Legassie, and her husband, Brian; granddaughters Halle Earnhardt, Rachel Earnhardt, Sophie Earnhardt, Alyssa Legassie, Anna Legassie, and stepgrandson Jordan Legassie, all of Charlotte. Barry is also survived by his stepbrothers, Steve (Judy) Lowder of Monroe, NC and Cecil “Buddy” (Robbie) Lowder of Mt. Pleasant, NC, his stepsister, Becky (Darrell) Rogers of Fayetteville, GA, his niece Dana Lesley of Tennessee, and his nephew, Tim Lesley of Concord, NC.
The family would like to thank all the nurses, doctors, and staff at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, as well as Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster for caring for Barry with compassion and love. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2024 starting at 6pm at McEwen Funeral Service located at 5716 Monroe Road in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life will begin at 7pm in the McEwen Chapel.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17