Rev. Joseph Leslie (Les) Fauntleroy, 90, of Chattanooga went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 6, 2021.
Les was a 1948 graduate of Hammond High School in Hammond, LA and went on to attend and graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1952.
After graduation, Les joined the Army to serve his country in the US Army Medical Corps.
From there Les went to teach math and coach basketball in Baker, LA before teaching and becoming Dean of Students at Gulf Coast Bible College.
In 1962 Les traveled back to Baker where he served as pastor at First Church of God / College Hill Chapel and taught at Baker School once again.
In 1974 he moved to Chattanooga to serve as youth pastor at Scott Memorial Church of God while working as Program Coordinator at Youth Residential Center and married his beloved wife, Billie in 1975. He also served as pastor at Brainerd Hills Church of God while working as Volunteer supervisor at Juvenile Court as the volunteer coordinator.
Les’ last position was possibly his most impactful ministry as he served families as the Chaplain House Call of Chattanooga and at Amedysis until he retired and became a volunteer sitter with Amedysis.
Les volunteered by serving on various committees and non- profit boards. Some of these include Director of Volunteer Agencies, President of Tennessee Associates of Volunteers in Community Justice, and National Association of Volunteers in Criminal Justice.
Les lived his life loving people – all people from all walks of life. That love came from his great love for the Lord. He saw the good in everyone and always brought out the best in all of us.
Billie was the love of his life and his family was right behind her. He had an infectious smile that drew you to his ever open arms that never met a stranger, He was funny and laughed often; he enjoyed all sports; his thumbs up was a trademark; he could not resist holding a baby; he loved to sing and encourage people. He has left his family an immeasurable living legacy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mamie Fauntleroy; his brother, Frank Eugene Fauntleroy; and brother-in-law, Bobby Ray Cole.
Les is survived by his wife of 46 years, Billie Pickett Fauntleroy; sister, Neldarie Fauntleroy Cole, sister-in-law, Rebecca Louise Fauntleroy; sons, Joseph (Joey) Leslie (Donna) Fauntleroy, Jr., John Leland (Christine) Morrison, and Michael Kevin Morrison; grandchildren, Morton Crowell (Trey) and wife, (Jennifer) Lloyd, III; Lt. JG Cole Lee Fauntleroy, Joseph Hunter (Erin) Fauntleroy, Victoria Grace Morrison, Heather Alexis Morrison; step-grandsons, Capt. Matthew (Michelle) Yetman, Maj. Nicholas (Maj. Piper) Yetman, and Garrett Cotter Yetman; five great-grandchildren, Natalie, Hunter & Kase Fauntleroy, Camden and Ava Claire Lloyd; nieces, Lisa Fauntleroy Moore and Patrician Lynn Cole Hollaway; nephew, Mark Cole; great nieces, Chelsea Dawson, Abi (Tyler) Long, and Cameron Dawson; Allyson Hollaway, and Ashley Hollaway; numerous cousins.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 13th at 12 noon in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Danny Pinter officiating. Burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to www.heritagechattanooga.com
The family has requested those attending the visitation and service to please wear face masks.
The family will receive friends Monday, September 13th from 10 am until 12 noon at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.
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