Douglas Leslie's Obituary
Douglas Leslie, age 80 of Archer, Florida, passed away at home on June 30, 2024, from complications due to pancreatic cancer.
Doug, or Les depending on when you knew him, was born July 17, 1943 in Amsterdam, New York to Kenneth and Dorothy Leslie. He served honorably in the Marines as a helicopter mechanic, stationed primarily in Japan, from 1960-1964. Shortly after an honorable discharge, Doug moved to Hollywood, Florida where he honed his mechanical skills as an auto mechanic at Sears. There he met his first wife, with whom he had three wonderful children.
In 1980, Doug and his family relocated to Gainesville, Florida. Eager to work for himself, he opened Speedy Dyno Tune & Lube in 1981 and later ComputaTune in 1983. After many years of working under the hoods of cars, Doug decided to change careers and worked with the Travelers’ Guide until his retirement. Not one to sit idle, he later took on a part-time role at Charles Perry Partners, Inc at the company workshop, enjoying his time there until he fully retired in 2023.
Not one for the “city”, Doug cherished living in the country on five beautiful acres, surrounded by majestic Live Oaks and visited by a variety of wild animals. He tinkered on his truck, propagated and grew all sorts of plants and trees, and grilled a mean BBQ. One of his fondest projects was rebuilding a 1971 Chevelle with his oldest son, Brian, and nephew, David, which he enjoyed taking to classic car shows.
Doug was a fiercely independent, funny, and intelligent individual. A hardworking, hands on man, he was proud of his Marine service and loved his country. An avid reader, Doug devoured books, especially, detective mysteries. His jokes were simultaneously corny and thought-provoking; a lover of puns and mispronunciations, he could get a chuckle out of just about anyone.
He is survived by his three children, Brian K. Leslie (Tarra Peterson), Craig S. Leslie (Kimberlee Leslie), and Traci L. Amberbride; his younger sister Mary Miller; five grandchildren, Jaydin and Kendyl Leslie, Rhiannon, Coltrane, and Samirah Zwieg; nephew David Klock (Mona Klock); and nieces: Lori Mahler (sons Anthony and Justin Jones), Lesley Grogan (partner L J Ree), and Shannon DiFlorio (Michael DiFlorio and sons Michael and Matthew). He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Stella Wiggins.
Doug was a private man, and did not want a funeral service or big celebration, preferring his ashes be spread in the Gulf by his family. We invite you to raise a glass to his memory, tell a “punny” joke, listen to old country music, or read a mystery in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warrior (woundedwarrior.com), The American Cancer Society and earmark pancreatic cancer (donate.cancer.org), or volunteer at your local library. His death has released him from unimaginable pain, for which we are grateful, but his absence will leave sorrow with us as well. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
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