John (Jimmy) D. Leslie, age 84, passed away July 23, 2017, with his family at his side. Jimmy was born on November 12, 1932, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Mashaw in 1962, and they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Early in his career, Jimmy worked for Bruce Beauty Supply of Shreveport, Louisiana, but later, he became a franchisee for Bonanza Steak Houses in Memphis, Tennessee, and Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he owned and operated the restaurants for 18 years. After retiring from the restaurant business, he worked for Southwestern Wholesale of Shreveport, Louisiana, and he retired in 1997.

His greatest sources of pride were his children and grandson. He also enjoyed golfing and being very active in his church. He was truly loved by his family, will be fondly remembered, and greatly missed by both family and friends.

He was active in the church throughout his life, being ordained as a deacon in the early 1960's and serving as deacon of Antioch Baptist Church of Farmerville, Louisiana; Trinity Baptist Church of Memphis, Tennessee; Trinity Baptist Church of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and First Baptist Church of Scott, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Jodie Leslie, and brother, Joseph. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Dr. Roxy Leslie and wife, Mary of Mobile, Alabama; and daughter, Belinda Smith and husband, Wayne of Lake Conroe, Texas; one grandson, Taylor Roan and wife, Tess of Youngsville, Louisiana, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25th, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church in Farmerville, Louisiana. A celebration of life service will be held following visitation with Brother Frank Ducharme and Brother Charlie Warren officiating. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home in Farmerville, LA. Pallbearers will be Peter Branch, Don Byrnes, Kent Halley, Gary Mashaw, Larry Stewart, and Dr. Richard Willis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Antioch Baptist Cemetery c/o Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3501 Hwy. 828, Farmerville, LA 71241.