Leslie William Leech, Jr., 78, formerly of Miami, Florida, passed away at his home in Ellijay, Georgia on May 9, 2024, following a recent cancer diagnosis.

The eldest of four children, Les was born on August 18,1945, to Leslie W. Leech Sr. and Mary B. Stafford. He spent his childhood in Rhode Island, and after high school, attended Ohio's Marquette University. Following a brief stint at Standard Oil, where Les found the corporate world held little meaning for him, Les took a teaching job at a boys' reform school in Lowell, Massachusetts. It was there, in that harsh and often heartbreaking environment, that he found his conviction. Everyone, no matter their limited circumstances, has the right to fundamental care and education.

Les moved to Miami in the early 1970s, where he soon began a career at Sunrise Community, Inc. (now known as Sunrise Group), proudly serving as President and Chief Executive Officer for more than forty years. During his tenure, Sunrise operations grew significantly, and Les's diligent advocacy on behalf of children and adults with disabilities positively impacted the lives of thousands of families and individuals. As a leader, Les was steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that every person Sunrise served enjoyed the highest degree of dignity, care, and independence. He was tireless in this effort, never shying away from risk, always prioritizing the spirit of service to others above all else. Even after his retirement in 2016, Les remained devoted to Sunrise, its partners, and its staff, who he so often credited with the organization's accomplishments.

Les's life's work became a blueprint for his daughter, Emilie. He reveled in Emilie's accomplishments, so proud to have instilled in her the same passion for advocacy and service he so well modeled throughout his life.

Beyond his professional career, Les enjoyed a life-long passion for aviation. A licensed private pilot for over 30 years, Les inherited his love of flight from his late father, whose illustrious flying career Les so admired. Like his father, Les often recounted tales of his most memorable flights with friends, both harrowing and humorous, often ending his stories with a grin and "any landing you walk away from is a good one."

After his retirement, Les enjoyed being able to spend more time at home with his wife, Ouida, and their pups. It could be said the two gathered no moss over the last decade and a half. Whether living in Georgia's beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, or by the calm waters of Lake Sinclair, or the picturesque shores of North Carolina's Albemarle Sound, Les was always quick to welcome family and friends, both old and new, with a beautiful view and cold drinks.

A devoted father, a loving husband, a loyal brother, a proud son, and a cherished friend to many, Les is survived by his wife, Oudia Leech; daughter Emilie Cook (Leech); brother, William F. Leech; sisters, Linda Blochberger and Nancy Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

Plans for a celebration of life in Miami, Florida will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunrise Group (https://sunrisegroup.org), in furtherance of Les's lifelong work to support and enhance the lives of those with disabilities and their families.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com.  Logan Funeral Home & Chapel is in charge of arrangements.