Leonard Lee Oettinger, Jr.

Leonard Oettinger, Jr. passed away Monday, November 23, 2015 at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Morehead City, NC with the Reverend John Pollock officiating.

Leonard Lee Oettinger, Jr. of Morehead City, NC died on Monday, November 23, 2015 at his home overlooking his beloved Bogue Sound surrounded by his family and best buddy- his dog, Dody. Leonard was born on December 17, 1924 in Kinston, NC to the late Elizabeth Copeland and Leonard L. Oettinger, Sr. As their only child, he was a devoted and loyal son who felt great pride in the close relationship he shared with his parents.

Leonard is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Susan Gardner Oettinger and two children: Sallie Oettinger Smith of Morehead City and Robert Copeland Oettinger of Raleigh. Also surviving are five grandchildren:  Stephen, Susan and Gunnar Smith of Morehead City and John B. Oettinger and wife, Elizabeth, of Southern Pines and Jessica Oettinger Wilder and husband, William, of Kinston. Leonard was cherished by his children and grandchildren who affectionately called him “Gran Gran.” Additionally, Leonard is survived by four great-grandchildren:  Leonard Lee Oettinger IV and Libba Oettinger of Southern Pines and William and Chandler Wilder of Kinston. Also surviving is Leonard’s first cousin Alban Kingsley Barrus, Jr. and wife, Juliet, of Kinston. Alban was like a brother to Leonard throughout his life.

Leonard was predeceased by his much loved first born son, Leonard Lee Oettinger III

Following graduation from Grainger High School in Kinston in 1941, Leonard attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Florida from 1941-1942. In 1943, Leonard entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but after two years his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. Leonard joined the United States Navy and entered the United States Naval Reserve Officers Candidate School at Columbia University in New York City where he was commissioned the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Upon Graduation in 1944, Leonard was assigned onboard the USS CHESTER on which he proudly served in the Pacific Theatre until the end of the war. With the country now at peace, Leonard returned to UNC-CH and graduated with a BS in Economics in 1948.

Leonard returned to Kinston to join his father and uncle in managing Oettinger Bros. Furniture Store. A well-established business, Oettinger Bros. was started in 1872 by Leonard’s grandfather and two great-uncles who had immigrated from Germany. Oettinger Bros. opened a second store in New Bern in the 1960’s. Leonard took great pride in serving his community alongside his dad for over 30 years.

In the 1970’s, Leonard sold Oettinger Bros. to Johnson Stores, Inc. and served as Vice-President until his retirement from the furniture business. He then embarked on new occupational adventures including teaching at Parrott Academy and at the NC Prison System as a volunteer. He also worked as the Director of Inservice Education at Lenoir Memorial Hospital and as the Director of Human Resources as Buehler Products, both in Kinston.

Leonard is remembered for his generosity of spirit and genuine compassion and concern for those less-fortunate.  As an active member of the Kinston community, he was part of the vision which provided housing for the elderly, a shelter for the homeless and a soup kitchen for the hungry. He was a founding member of the Lenoir County SPCA.

Leonard was not one to just profess his faith, he lived it! As a devout Christian, he lived a life of integrity, dignity and compassion. Simply stated, Leonard lived by the Golden Rule; he was a gentle soul whose word was his bond. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kinston serving in various capacities including Sr. and Jr. Warden and a member of the vestry. Upon moving to Morehead City in 1997, he and Sue joined St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where, as a summer resident, he had actually attended for many years. Leonard became an active parishioner, serving on the vestry and in other leadership positions.

Having a second home in Atlantic Beach while growing up provided Leonard the opportunity to enjoy boating and fishing. However, sailing was his passion. At a young age, Leonard entered competitions which he continued to enjoy throughout much of his adult life. Other fond memories included time spent with his family and friends at the Dunes Club where his parents were founding members. Having this heritage, he was most proud to be afforded the privilege to serve as President during the club’s major renovation in 1999.

Of Leonard’s numerous achievements attributes, he would most like to be remembered as a simple man who loved and family, friends and pets. Leonard will long be remembered as a true Southern gentleman.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program, PO Box 2279 Morehead City, NC 28557, or St. Andrews Church, 2005 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557