Leslie 'Les' Sharpless

Leslie Sharpless, age 85, of Philadelphia, PA, formerly of Chinquapin, died Friday, January 1, 2021. A graveside service will be Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 12:00 noon, at Judge Family Cemetery in Chinquapin. Minister Stepphon Sharpless officiating. Leslie (Les) Sharpless was born on October 3, 1935 and was called to Heaven on January 1, 2021. Les, the youngest of 10 children, born to Oscar and Bertha (Batts) Sharpless, was raised in Chinquapin, NC. He was educated in the public schools of Duplin County. Following graduation from Charity High School, Les attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State College. Post college, Les served in the military. After his military service, he relocated to Philadelphia, PA where he met his lifelong partner, Mildred (Lawrence) of Tarboro, NC. Les and Mildred were married on June 27, 1964. They were blessed with their son Brian Travis Sharpless on September 28, 1973 and would later in life become bonus parents to Jason Jones. Les was the Advertising Manager at The Leader Newspaper where he retired after more than 30 years of service to the paper. Les was also a member of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society where his green thumb won him many awards. Most recently he was enjoying living his life in retirement. He enjoyed entertaining friends with his wife Mildred at their home in Philadelphia and taking trips down south to visit family. Les was known as the Tulpehocken Street icon or “second dad” to many like Leo Hayes and numerous others. He could always be found in the summer sitting on the front patio wearing his cowboy hat, sharing a cocktail and conversation with the West Oak Lane family. Les was proceeded in death by his parents and 9 siblings. Les leaves behind many people to carry on his memory including his wife Mildred, his son Brian Travis (Stephanie) of Philadelphia, PA; Jason Jones of Philadelphia, PA; a host of nieces and nephews; a long line of grandchildren including Briana Sharpless, Jayden Roberts and Jayden Jones; along with other relatives and friends that were more like family. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to honor Les Sharpless to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Mr. Sharpless was an active member of the PHS for many years. If individuals choose to do so they can make a Tribute Gift in his name. The link is here: https://phsonline.org/support-phs/target-your-impact/donate