Joe Orchard Leslie III – Joey to his brothers, Uncle Joey to their kids, and Dad to us – passed quietly in his sleep on January 7, 2022, in Salem, AR.

Born in Harrison on the Fourth of July, 1939 to Joe Orchard II and wife Donal Leslie, Joe was the oldest of the three Leslie boys. An active child, he always swore his mother killed a young peach tree by pulling switches off to ensure his cooperation.

After graduating from Salem (AR) High in 1957, Joe attended both Hendrix and Henderson Colleges, graduating in 1963. He married Linda Rogers in August of 1962, and they had two children – Marie, and Joseph.

He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Ft. Benning, GA in 1964, and served two tours in Vietnam. During that time, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, A Silver Star, and a Purple Heart. Joe's military service ended at Ft. Sill, OK, in 1972, at the rank of Captain.

After the Army, Joe found the perfect profession for his enormous outgoing personality – sales. Men's clothing, to be specific. He was the longtime manager of the Men's Department at Meador's Department Store in Lawton, OK, and later worked for Muhlberger's Menswear in Lawton and Wichita Falls (TX) and Dillard's Department stores all over Oklahoma and Texas.

He was always active in the community, teaching Sunday School and sponsoring the UMYF at Centenary UMC in Lawton, and serving on the Board of Directors of Campfire, Inc. He found great joy in performing onstage at Lawton Community Theater in productions that ranged from "Oklahoma!" to "Mr. Roberts."

After retiring, Joe moved back to Salem, AR, where he grew up. He could often be found drinking coffee at White Oak Junction ("with the other Old Farts" as he put it), reading the newspaper at Leslie Drug (his brother Tim's pharmacy) or at the VA office, listening to the older veterans tell their stories and ferrying them to doctor's appointments.

Joe is survived by his two brothers, Tim Leslie and Dr. Tom Leslie, of Arkansas; daughter Marie Snider of North Texas, son Joseph Leslie and daughter-in-law Cassie, of North Texas. Grandchildren Rachel Snider (RI) James Snider (MA) Sarah Marcum and husband Patrick (TX) Madison Leslie (TX) and Nathan Held (IA). Great-grandchildren Niko and Lily Marcum, Chloe O'Donnell, all of Texas. Numerous nieces and nephews, friends without number.

Dad never met a stranger. He sang from his heart and smiled from his soul. Our loss is Heaven's gain.

No service is planned at this time.

Arrangements under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .