Milton Dwayne Mcleskey

Milton Dwayne McLeskey, age 75, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 2nd 2022. Dwayne’s story starts in Anderson, SC. He was born on September 18th 1946, the eldest child of Milton LaFayette McLeskey and Faye Smith McCullough.
Dwayne enlisted in the US Army in December of 1963. A proud artilleryman, he served in Germany and saw combat action in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery. Dwayne was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart during his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Expert Rifle classification, Driver’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and (perhaps most surprisingly) a Good Conduct Medal. After he completed his military service Dwayne worked numerous odd jobs ranging from truck driver, security guard, and even flower arranger while attending school full-time. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland in December 1983. He spent the majority of his career working as a hospital administrator, first as a civil servant for the US Army and later for private practices.
Dwayne met Theodora “Teddi” Frudden McLeskey while they were both stationed at Fort Gordon, GA. They were married on October 5th, 1970 and celebrated 51 years together this past fall. Dwayne is survived by his three children: Kelly McLeskey Larkin and her husband Geoff of Evans, GA, Heather McLeskey Cooper and her husband Brian of Marietta, GA, and Sean Patrick McLeskey and his wife Kristen of Seattle, WA. Dwayne and Teddi also consider William Lantz Smith to be a son by heart if not blood. Lantz lives with his wife Lauren in Augusta, GA.
An avid outdoorsman, Dwayne spent countless hours in the woods, fields, and waters of the Southeast. While he enjoyed the pursuit of fish and game it was clear that his favorite part of the hunt was always the time shared with friends and family. Sports were always a big part of his life. He was a lifetime fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Alabama Crimson Tide and he enjoyed coaching and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.
Dwayne is survived by his sisters Judy Betterley and her husband Edward of Piedmont, SC and Debby Cates and her husband Banks of Simpsonville, SC as well as his brother Mark McLeskey of Milledgeville, GA. Dwayne has eight grandchildren who lovingly knew him as Pop Pop: Jameson Cooper, Macallan Cooper, Alex Smith, Reid Larkin, Kaylee Cooper, Murphy Larkin, Charlie Larkin, and Rowan McLeskey.
In addition to his parents Dwayne was preceded in death by his sister Fredda Alewine and his brother Edward McCullough.
There will be a celebration of life held in Dwayne’s honor at Platt’s Funeral Home at 337 North Belair Road, Evans, GA on Saturday, January 8th. Visitation with his family will begin at 1:00 PM followed by a ceremony at 3:00 PM.
Dwayne served his country proudly and he cared deeply about his fellow veterans. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Fisher House Foundation, (www.fisherhouse.org) a charity and foundation that provides comfort homes for families and veterans during their time recovering from injuries sustained during battle.
It is requested that all visitors please wear a mask and follow all CDC guidelines