Mr. Neill Franklin Leslie,, 64 Jr.

Wade

Franklin Neill Leslie Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 23rd 2017, as the result of an accidental fall and head injury. Beloved father, brother, uncle, son, and friend to so very many, he will be profoundly missed. To cherish him forever and to keep his memory alive are his daughter Jillian Leslie Pope (Wiley), son Neill Franklin Leslie III (Trey), sister Carol Leslie Hudson (Donald), niece Leslie Elena Hudson, former spouses Melanie Leslie and Beverly Leslie, step-son Buzz McCorquodale (Misty), step-grandchildren Jackson and Virginia Pope and Grant and Luke McCorquodale; Aunts Alice Williams and Helen Williams, 19 first cousins, and his constant companion Bandit.

Neill graduated from Cape Fear High School in 1971 and from Campbell College in 1975. His degree was in Psychology. His work history was varied and he was successful in many ventures. He began his career at the NC Department of Corrections and then became self-employed in the restaurant industry. He practiced his culinary talents at the Wagon Wheel, Golden Corral, Nicho’s, Smithfield’s Barbeque, and Neill’s Barbecue to name a few. He left cooking for wallcovering, another job he loved. He was adored by anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Neill blessed everyone with his clever humor and ability to make anyone smile, even on their darkest of days. Among his many other attributes were the following: phenomenal basketball player with a stellar jump shot; natural-born comedian; champion barbeque chef; sports enthusiast with a great love for UNC basketball and all things Carolina; and the most loving, intelligent, kindest man ever. Neill was a scrappy and tenacious All City-County basketball player of Cape Fear's Championship basketball team that went to the state tournament.

His parents, Neill Franklin Leslie, Sr. and Evelene Williams Leslie, passed away in the last 16 months. A devoted son, Neill was a faithful caregiver to both parents prior to their departure. A lifelong resident of Eastover, Neill was active in community events and fundraisers, such as barbeque cookoffs, where funds were raised for those in need or for community benefit. Just last weekend he placed in the top 3 winners of a contest at the campground where he lived and loved life.

A special blessing to Neill's lifelong friends; George Tatum, Johnny Heath, and Keith Culbreth, who along with Neill formed the VLK’s (Vander Light Kids), a made-up club of four coming of age boys who bonded for life and beyond. To know Neill was to love and cherish him. Please join us in a celebration of his life on Saturday at 1:30 pm, September 30th, at Salem United Methodist Church in Eastover. Visitation will be from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm at the church. If preferred, memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman.