William Lester Plemmons III

Les, 50, a native Charlottean and long-time Coulwood resident, died suddenly Thursday, September 9, 2010 at home. He was born January 24, 1960 at Presbyterian Hospital to William Lester Plemmons, Jr. and Geneva Wynn Plemmons.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Lyn Knight Plemmons of the home, and his cherished son Mitchell Glenn, a junior at Appalachian State University. He is also survived by his treasured sister Billie Plemmons Scarboro of Smyrna, SC, her children Geneva Waldrop, Diane Marshall of Almond, NC, and Todd Black of Smyrna, NC, and their families. In addition, Les is survived by his mother-in-law Elaine Knight, brother-in-law Rick Knight, sister-in-law Angela “Susie” Kalkhoran, husband Nader, adored niece Leyla and nephew and fellow poet Ameen of Tewksbury, Mass. Les was preceded in death by his parents, his much loved, much missed nephew Larry Black, dear Aunt Idelle Ballard, and his grandparents.

Les was a gentle soul, highly intelligent with a wicked sense of humor and unfailing integrity. He was a voracious reader, and could expound on ANY topic at essay length. Granddog Shiloh has earned his four-year college degree in the two years since Mitchell went to college thanks to Les!

Les was a devoted student of history, politics, and medicine. His compassion for people combined with his vast knowledge enabled him to care for all people, especially those closest to him. In fact, many of the calls at their home were for “Dr. Les”. He was the acolyte director at his church with Lyn for many years, and loved watching as the children “got” the reason for the candlelight in the services. A passionate music buff, he had a particular fondness for Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Warren Zevon, Johnny Cash, The Clash, John Lee Hooker and the local band Feed the Farm (he was the roadie).

Les was the Dr. Dolittle of the Coulwood community and cared for many dogs, cats, and the occasional hamster. All kinds of animals were drawn to him, instinctively knowing how kind-hearted he was. He loved the outdoors from an early age. He enjoyed camping, hiking, and fishing, and could tell you the name of any plant, bird, or animal you saw. He loved to garden and could grow anything. Any live plant in their house was Les’ doing, as Lyn will attest.

His other hobbies and interests included any sporting or other event involving Mitchell or Lyn , the Carolina Panthers (particularly # 89), Stephen King novels, and cooking, especially Meal Plan 101.

Les lived most of his life in the Coulwood community; he also lived on Toddville Rd. near his church and on Tom Sadler Rd. He traveled many places in his life, including Paris, the Olympics, and St. Croix, but his favorite place to visit was the Appalachian Mountains.

For the last 16 years, Les worked in Client Relations with his wife in her CPA firm, Patton and Plemmons. Previously, he was a principal in B&L Properties and was a long time employee of the Charlotte area printing company Arts Engraving Company, where he wore many hats. He graduated from Valleydale School in 1978 and attended Central Piedmont Community College.

Les was blessed by the love and support of many fellow travelers on his journey, including his loyal Mulberry Presbyterian Church family, The Roasting Company employees, and The Chick-Fil-A Mountain Island folks. He felt especially grateful to be guided by the wisdom of his elders, most especially his late father-in-law Kenneth “Max” Knight, the late Carl Gayle, the late Dr. Jack Scott and the late Joseph C. Travis.

Lyn, Mitchell and Billie would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Les’ most faithful lifelong friends Tom Bass and Marsha Spaine Walpole, our West Meck and Mountaineer families, our neighbors, and our church families for the love, support and comfort we have felt not only during this sad time but throughout Les’ life. This week their support of love and prayers have embraced us in warm caring hugs when we needed it the most.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 15 from 6-8 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Mulberry Presbyterian Church, 5600 Tuckaseegee Rd. A remembrance service will be held Thursday, September 16 at 11 am in the Sanctuary at Mulberry Presbyterian Church. A Time of Sharing will be included in the service for those wishing to share their memories of Les. At Les’ request, his ashes will be scattered in the Blue Ridge Mountains at a later time.

Flowers are appreciated and can be delivered to the church office. Those wishing to honor Les with a memorial may direct them to the Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Toomey Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 or to Mulberry Presbyterian Church, 5600 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208.

Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service. Condolences may be offered at www.forestlawnwest.com.

“I lift my eyes unto the hills from whence shall come mine aid.”