Ray Leslie

Ray Leslie, 95 of Ceredo, WV passed away on Feb. 4, 2018 to rest eternally with his Savior and his beloved wife, Joe. Ray was one of the three remaining WWII veterans in the town of Ceredo. Also there to rejoice in his Homegoing are his parents, Wade H. and Hattie James Leslie, wife R. Joe Reid Leslie, elder brother Wade H. Leslie, Jr., and a special nephew, Wade H. Leslie III. Left to share precious memories are his youngest brother, J. Robert "Bob" Leslie and wife Mary Lee Galloway Leslie, his daughter, Nancy R. Leslie Cobb and her husband Michael; nieces, Billie Rae Leslie Dunlap and husband David, Joyce Leslie Linnett and husband Mark, Jane M. Leslie Lycans and husband David and his nephew J. Robert and Amy Leslie. He also leaves an extended family of several great-nieces and nephews especially family namesake, Wade H. Leslie IV and wife Gale. Ray was born in Boyd County, KY on Dec. 7, 1922. In April of 1943 he enlisted in the Army infantry as a Private. Ray served proudly throughout the European Theater earning four Campaign stars. His service record allowed him to be promoted to First Lieutenant while on active duty. After his discharge, Ray entered the Kentucky National Guard as a Captain. While on active duty, previous cooking training by his father allowed him to literally serve his officers and fellow soldiers of Pattons Third Army, 80th Division. On June 5, 2017, Ray was presented with a certificate honoring his patriotism, citizenship, and willingness to work for the good and welfare of the residents of Ceredo by Mayor Paul Billups. This certificate was presented to him as one of the first two Captains in the Ceredo Fifth Volunteer Infantry, established on September 3, 1961. After the service and brief stint in wholesale sales, Ray rejoined his father and retired from the family restaurant business formerly, Leslies Restaurant of Ceredo, WV. His visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday February 7, 2018 at Ceredo-Kenova Funeral Home followed by procession to Ashland Cemetery for a graveside service at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rays memory to the Ceredo-Kenova Memorial Public Library, 1200 Oak Street, Kenova, WV, 25530. E-mail: wcpl@cabell.lib.wv.us. Online condolences may be expressed to family at www.ceredo-kenovafuneralhome.com.