PORTSMOUTH—Leslie Ray French III, 81, passed away on October 10, 2024. He was born in Lynchburg, VA to the late Leslie R. French II and Juanita Williams French.

In addition to his parents, Les is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth, brother Dan (Amy), and step-son Larry Coleman (Cindy). He leaves behind his son, Justin Glynn French (Tamsyn); stepsons Spencer Coleman (Sabrina) and Warner Randolph Coleman; grandchildren Griffin French, Chloe French, Sierra Blake (Nathan), Skylar Bucher (Austin), Mary Elizabeth Coleman (Matthew), Sarah Hess (Ryan), and Meredith Frey (Zachary); great-grandchildren Reese, Avery, and Cameron Blake, Jameson Bucher, Ashton Dunn, and Thomas Frey; nephew Robert Christopher French and niece Lisa French Wixted and families.

Les graduated from Randolph Macon College and shortly after entered the Navy. After his service, he worked in the insurance industry and sales. Les's passion was history; he was very involved in organizations focused on history and historic preservation. He was the first president of Portsmouth's Olde Towne Civic League, an organization to which he dedicated well over 30 years. He participated each New Year's Eve in the Olde Towne Scottish Walk. Les was a member of Preservation Virginia and countless other historical and civic-focused organizations.  He was a gifted storyteller, which served him well in his areas of passion, such as working at all of the Portsmouth Museums during retirement. Les was also a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Portsmouth Lodge 100.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court St., Portsmouth. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olde Towne Civic League or Preservation Virginia .