John Leslie Puryear, Jr.

John (Les) Leslie Puryear, Jr. of was born September 5, 1932 in Morristown NJ, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022 in his home in Merida, Yucatan, Mx. He was a 1951 graduate of Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA., attended Duke University before enlisting in the Air Force to serve his country in the Korean war from 1952 – 1955. He specialized in electronic Cryptography, where he was stationed behind enemy lines off North Korea. Les’s ingenuity led him down many different paths in his life. He had a green thumb and was successful with his greenhouses & wholesale artificial flowers, his love of woodworking led him to build and renovated several homes. Les loved the sunny warm weather and in his younger years took the family to the Carolina beaches in the summer and south Florida in the winter, later moved the family to south Florida. He enjoyed creating and always wanted a ten-stool diner but ended up owning several restaurants in Stuart and Islamorada Florida then later in Willis VA. Scripture says, if we acknowledge Him before men, he will acknowledge us in heaven. Les is survived by his partner of 25 years Patricia Chacon, sister, Joncy Mae Puryear Martin of Graham, NC, his children Lisa A. Puryear of Austin, TX,, John (Jay) Leslie Puryear, III, of Brush Prairie, WA,, Denise M. Puryear of Boulder, CO., Andrew K. Puryear of Wilmington, NC., 2 grandchildren Saige Puryear and Josiah Puryear. A Celebration of Life for Les will be held Saturday, December 17, from 1 to 3 pm at the American Legion Stew Shed with graveside at 3:15 to 3:30pm. All that knew Les are welcome to come commiserate a wonderful and colorful life. Online condolences may be directed to www.funealinc.com Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.