Gerald "Gerry" Leslie Jr.

Gerald “Gerry” Leslie, Jr., husband of the late Wilma Alexander Leslie passed away peacefully in Lexington on March 24, 2021, after a brief illness. He was born on August 13, 1934 in Emma, Kentucky to the late Gerald and Maman Leslie, Sr. His life was one full of discovery and contribution to the scientific and engineering communities as well as to the community at large.  To his family, he was a beacon of patience, a kind-hearted listener, and generous supporter.   

He graduated from Prestonsburg High School in June 1950, received a B.A. in chemistry from Berea College in 1954, and earned a Master’s Degree of Science from the University of Kentucky in 1962 for Analytical Chemistry. During a long career with IBM he filed twenty patent submissions and published eighteen papers on printer development and the electronic card manufacturing process. He retired from Lexmark in 1996.

Gerald volunteered as a member of the South Lexington Lions Club for over 40 years. He served as District Governor, was a Trustee for Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, and was a member of its Board of Directors.

After he retired, he mostly spent time with family, golfing, bowling, playing cards with friends, and following his beloved “Cats.” He went to the IROC daily to visit with his “Lunch Bunch” friends and discuss UK Football & Basketball.

Gerald is survived by his four children Theresa “Terri” Saunders (Russell) of Louisville, Catherine Leslie of Lexington, Allyson Alvarado (Steve) of Canon City, CO, Gerald “Jerry” Leslie (Alicia) of Lexington; his grandchildren, Jennifer Connolly (Tim) of New Orleans, Christopher Wilson (Karina) of Orlando, step-grandson Alex Saunders of Louisville, Joseph and Sarah Alvarado of Canon City, CO, Sydney and Graham Leslie of Lexington; his great grandchildren Colin, Lois, and Daniel of New Orleans. Gerald is also survived by his brother Dickie Leslie (Mary) of Daytona Beach Shores and his sister Marty Shelton of Orlando. Gerald is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Alice Phillips.

A joint Celebration of Life for Gerald and Wilma will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 1-3PM at Milward’s 1509 Trent Blvd. Friends and family are welcome.