Roll Call Tribute

Paul David Leslie 

July 13, 1933 - April 11, 2023 

Paul Leslie, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on April 11th, 2023, after a brief illness. Paul was born in 1933 in Lake Village, Arkansas. He graduated from West Tallahatchie High School in Mississippi, married Bettye Bruister, and moved to Shreveport, finishing his studies at Centenary College. He obtained a degree in Business at Centenary College and worked for Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation, eventually becoming Assistant Chief Accountant. When the company moved its operations to Houston, TX, Paul left the corporate world and returned to college in order to pursue his passion for literature, earning a second degree in English at LSUS, followed by a Masters degree at Texas A&M University. He taught English for two years at LSUS, but eventually returned to the business world, as Financial Administrator for First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport.

After retiring, Paul spent his time reading, giving book talks at the church, writing poetry, and taking long walks at area parks and nature preserves. Paul is survived by his wife, Bettye Leslie, their daughter, Carol Vargas, grandsons Rider Marshall of Ames, Iowa, and Gabe Marshall of Conroe, TX, great grandchildren Lincoln and Maeve Marshall, and a granddaughter, Katerina Vargas, of Shreveport. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, wisdom, and compassion that will continue to inspire and guide the lives of all those he touched. Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and to his son-in-law, Romeo Vargas, for his diligent care and compassion for Paul during his final days and hours.