Leslie Wayne Pride, 78, of Wright City, MO, passed away at his home in Wright City, MO, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 10, 1946 in Maynard, Arkansas to Junior and Norma Jean Pride. Leslie attended the local schools and graduated from Maynard High School in Arkansas. He came to St. Louis for work. He and Virginia Rose Marshall were united in marriage on March 19, 1971 in St. Charles, MO and would have celebrated 54 years in 2025. To this union were born two children, Chaleta and Bradley. Leslie was employed at General Motors for 39.9 years. He was respected by his co-workers and never missed a day of work. Leslie was very musical and could play the piano and accordion. His creativity did not stop there, he wrote music, poetry, and was particularly fond of Gospel Quartet music, with The Speer Family being his favorite group. Leslie even recorded his own album. Leslie enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment from splitting wood and taking care of his property. Leslie will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Virginia Rose Pride of Wright City, MO, two children, Chaleta Maria (Kenneth) Pride- Wood, Bradley Wayne Pride, grandchildren, Anthony Rocco Wood, Adam Joshua (Raelynn) Wood, Hannah Elizabeth Pride, Tiana Grace Pride, Willow Alexandra Pride,  great-grandchildren, Sawyer Joshua Wood  and (soon to arrive) Silas Edward Wood, siblings, Lester Lloyd (Priscilla) Pride, Margaret Yvonne (Bill) Pride-Evans, Beatrice Ann Pride-Hearn and many other relatives and friends.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, W.H. Pride Jr. and Norma Jean (Fowler) Pride.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-8244.

A funeral service will be Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., also at the funeral home in Troy, MO. Interment to follow in the Troy City Cemetery, Troy. Rev. Brandon Buford to officiate. Pallbearers will be: Rocky Wood, Adam Wood, Hannah Pride, Tiana Pride, Caleb Randol, and Aaron Evans. Internment will be at Troy City Cemetery.