Harry McGuffin Leist died January 3, 2024 at home in Bedford, Virginia, in the presence and comfort of his family. He was born September 21, 1947 to parents Charles Howard Leist, Sr. and Lorena Auer Leist. He was the oldest of six children, including Charles Howard Leist, Jr, Lloyd Herman Leist, Patricia Ann Brookman, Harold Edward Leist, and Harvey Leo Leist. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Beatrice Leist and brother Charles Howard Leist, Jr.
Surviving him are his wife of 54 years, Martha (Marty) Bain Leist, and their children: Matthew (Matt) Sterling Leist and wife Lori; Heather Landon Williams and husband Kyle; and Julie Alexa Leist, along with grandchildren Abigail Kenna Williams, Charlotte Ann Williams, and Britton Isaac Haden. He is also survived by his remaining siblings and by stepbrothers Robert McGraw, Alan McGraw, Kevin McGraw, and Scott McGraw.
Harry was a country boy at heart, having grown up in rural, scenic Giles County, Virginia. Here fishing, hunting, hiking trails that led to cascading water and exploring caves provided a deep and lasting love for country life and that particular area of Viriginia.
Coming up through the school system, he made fast friends with classmates with whom he remained close over the years. As a student at Narrows High School, he was a member of the brass section in the All-State Orchestra. He was also a natural athlete and was a stand-out basketball player.
Harry went to Emory and Henry College on an athletic scholarship. He chose History as his major, assuming that one day he would be teaching and coaching. He became a member of Sigma Iota Fraternity, remaining close to his brothers, as well as many other students and even professors over the years. While at Emory, his athleticism led him to become Intramural Director. It was also here that Harry met his future bride.
With graduation from college, Harry and Marty married. By the time their firstborn, Matt, arrived, the country was involved in the Vietnam War. Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in Basic Training, he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp. He was offered a position in the USAF Academy Drum and Bugle Corp in Colorado Springs. He had to decline the offer due to family obligations. Instead, he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. Here he was inducted into the Air Force Honor Guard. As a member of this select group he was proud to participate in functions such as: the funeral and burial services of Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson; standing in the Death Watch in the Capital Building’s Rotunda for President Johnson; marching in the State and Territorial Flag Detail for the inauguration of Richard M. Nixon; being in charge of the Color Team at the Retirement of General James McDivitt, astronaut on Gemini 4 and Apollo 9; participating in the Full Service Arrival Ceremony at the Pentagon for General Omar Bradley, the country’s last Five Star General; serving as a member of the Burial Detail for numerous burial services at Arlington National Cemetery, and being in charge of the USAF Color Guard at Andrews Air Force Base the night the first plane of POW’s arrived home in the United States from Southeast Asia. Before completing his military service, Harry and Marty welcomed baby girl Heather into the family.
Harry was recruited from military service by Spartan Food Systems of Spartanburg, SC. This gave him his start in the restaurant industry. His first job was to open and operate a Hardee’s in Rockingham, NC. From here he was to open, operate, or to restore to proper management many fast food and steakhouse eateries in the Carolinas and into Virginia. While working with Connor Management, he partnered with associate Dick Bowers, with whom he established a deep and lasting friendship. A highlight of their work together was creating the recipe for Hardee’s biscuit, still in use today.
In the late 80’s, Harry and Marty moved back to Virginia. Harry put together a partnership with him serving as Operating Manager to open Texas Steakhouse. Its popularity spurred him to open a second store in Blacksburg, Virginia. A change in the partnership led him to return to the Carolinas and Connor Management in 1993, where he worked with the company’s growing Sagebrush Steakhouse arm. When the company elected to move into Virginia, Harry and Marty were glad to return to Central Virginia. Harry found a good friend in the company’s Richmond store manager, Bruce Marion.
Ultimately, Harry seized the opportunity to open his own restaurant. With his daughter, Heather Williams, he opened Liberty Station, in Bedford, Virginia in August, 2001. This successful adventure has become the accomplishment he is most proud of in his career. He loved serving the Bedford community. Over time, all members of the immediate family became involved in the store operation.
As a side venture, Harry and Marty established an alpaca farm. Harry helped with building projects, pasture maintenance, shearing of the animals and assisting with the animals’ routine care. He especially enjoyed showing the animals, where they would be judged on their conformation and fiber.
Along the way, there was the pleasures of travel. Harry and Marty made trips to parts of the continental US, boarded a cruise to Alaska and another to the Caribbean and made a special trip to Spain and Italy. These were often made with family members and there was always a summertime family trip to the beach. Harry also made trips with his son, daughter Julie, or good friend Keith Baumgardner to visit all thirty of the nation’s Major League Baseball Stadiums. It was always the stadiums themselves that fascinated him and he always took photos and returned home with an official baseball hat for that particular team.
Retirement presented Harry with more time to attend the grandchildren’s activities, whether musical, theatrical or sports related. He loved watching them grow and mature. They were a great source of joy and pride for him.
Gradually, his physical activities were affected by a diagnosis of Parkinsons with Lewy Body Dementia that came over a decade ago. He never gave into self-pity or lack of enthusiasm for life. He exercised regularly and stayed engaged in activities with family and friends. He was still very active when he fell at home on December 1, 2023. He was hospitalized briefly, then came home. Being cared for by family and resting to the strains of old country music, he died peacefully.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Bedford Baptist Church. A private family service will be held.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.