Dr. Robert (Bob) H. Leslie Jr

robert (bob) leslie

July 31, 1934 ~ March 13, 2022

Born in: Jacksonville, Florida
Resided in: Georgetown, Texas

Robert (Bob) Homer Leslie, Jr. passed away on March 13, 2022 in Cedar Park, Texas. Born in Jacksonville, Florida on July 31, 1934 to Robert Homer Leslie, Sr. and Laura Strunk Leslie and he grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. He attended Florida State University (FSU) and received his Bachelor of Music cum laude with a double major in piano and organ performance in 1956. While at FSU, he met his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Candace Drummond Jones.

He attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and received his Bachelor of Divinity in 1959. He received his Ph.D. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada with his dissertation concentrated on Calvin studies and Reformation thought and history. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha; Phi Kappa Phi; Pi Kappa Lambda; and American Guild of Organists.

He was ordained by Brazos Presbytery, Presbyterian Church in the United States on July 12, 1959. He served Presbyterian congregations in Texas, Montreal and New York retiring from First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, Texas where he was elected pastor emeritus in 2003. While in Bryan, he founded Concerts on Carter Creek, wrote a regular column on religion for the Bryan/College Station Eagle and served on and the Housing Board of the City of Bryan and the Board of Directors Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. He was active in numerous community organizations throughout his career.

Reflective of his curiosity, love for learning and international engagement, Bob taught at Texas A & M University, lectured at the Florida Chautauqua Assembly, directed music conferences at Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, and designed and led a myriad of classes and seminars at the congregations he served. He was well-traveled and in 1969, he did a pastoral exchange in Scotland at West Kirk, Rothesay, Isle of Butte, followed by a second at Lochalsh Parrish, Ross-shire in 1985, which launched a decades-long interest in “all things Scottish” including playing the bagpipe, wearing a kilt and Leslie tartan trousers, drinking good Scotch, and supporting Candace’s Scottish travel writing including taking regular pilgrimages to the Scottish Highlands. He played the bagpipes at numerous life cycle events, and was always ready to give a piano or organ recital. He loved the mountains and camping, and while in “retirement,” he and Candace spent several summers volunteering as camp hosts and guiding lighthouse tours at state parks in Oregon and Washington. He was a composer, avid reader and born entertainer and elocutionist who was always ready to tell a story and engage an audience no matter the size or age.

Of the many things Bob valued, family was his greatest joy including being able to spend time with his great-grandson, Layton Leslie, this past Christmas. In addition to his wife Candace, he survived by his children David and daughter-in-law Leigh (Mohney); Charles and daughter-in-law Denise (Smith); and Mary and husband Ernie China; grandchildren Ian, Ryan, Julia and Michael; brother and sister in-law Grant and Mary Jones; sister-in-law Jewell Leslie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Larry Leslie.

The family gives gratitude to all who cared for Bob over the past few years as he recovered from a major traumatic brain injury and then addressed the challenges caused by progressive dementia. Throughout all of life’s ups and downs, he never lost his sense of humor and interest in the needs and happenings of others. In lieu of flowers Remembrances may be made to the Caring Place, Georgetown, Texas; Mo-Ranch, Hunt, Texas; or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11:00 at the The Wesleyan Independent Living-East, 210 White Heron Drive, Georgetown, Texas.

Services

Memorial Service: March 25, 2022 11:00 am

The Wesleyan Independent Living - East
210 White Heron Drive
Georgetown, Texas 78628

512-863-2528

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Candace, Mary and Family

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bob. He was a great person, a wonderful pastor at FPC and a true friend to many. I will always cherish my personal relationship with Bob and how he positively impacted my life as a young adult constantly searching for direction in my life. I will miss him immensely but know he is watching over us and rejoicing in heaven with my Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

  2. I had the honor of calling Bob and Candace my friends. Ronnie loved you guys. Robert was a considerate source when I was a reporter at The Eagle, and he the only person I knew who played the bagpipes – that earned him huge points! His life was very well lived. Now may he Rest In Peace.

  3. I was blessed to volunteer with Bob at the Brazos Church Pantry before he relocated, He was such a joy to work with and made our day more pleasant with his sage wisdom, sense of humor, wonderful life stories, and caring spirit. I’ll never forget the day he played Happy Birthday to me on the street in downtown Bryan! My condolences to his family and may God give you strength and comfort.

  4. Dear Candace, David, Charles and Mary:
    Though it has been many years since being with you all, I often remember your kindness and friendship and love to a freshman at Austin College while Bob served at Grand Ave. Presbyterian in Sherman. I can only say that Bob’s example to me has helped me in my life and service to others. I especially remember my wedding (46 yrs ago) with Bob, Fr. Garrard and Allen Smith, that started our marriage off. I was blessed by knowing Bob, learning from him and being part of your family for those years. He is a true saint.

  5. Candace,
    My deepest condolences to you and all the family in Bob’s passing. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed. God’s richest blessings, peace, & comfort to all.

  6. My condolences to you and your family. A mutual friend introduced me to Bob because we had a common interest –Bagpipes. We played once a week at our Saviour’s and did a few Crop Walks together. Enjoyed talking about Scotland with him and places we had both visited – Bob as a pastor and me while in the Army. Peace to you aall.

  7. Dear Candace, You have my heartfelt condolences at Bob’s passing. I remember you both with much love!
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
    Bunny

  8. Dearest Candace, Mary and all the Leslie family, we’ve just learned of Bob’s death and are so very sad to lose such an incredible man, but rejoicing in his coming home to the God he loved and served so faithfully. Bob’s curiosity and zest for living touched our family profoundly. He will be missed. With love and gratitude ~
    Bonnie and Bill Wilkinson
    Victoria, Texas

  9. I remember playing two piano music with Bob in the 1960’s in SUNY-Plattsburgh NY. I cherish our many conversations about music then and in our phone conversations after we moved to GA 4 years ago.
    Thinking of you Candace.
    Love
    Bill Jones


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