It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lesley Lybron “Les” Kersey, of Edenton, N.C., a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a distinguished officer in the United States Air Force who passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025 at the age of 82.
Born on January 9, 1943, in Clearwater, Fl, to Lesley L. and Doris M. Kersey, Les cultivated a passion for aviation at an early age. His father flew combat in B 29s as a USAF pilot during WWII in the Pacific Theater.
A graduate of the Citadel, Les was commissioned in the Air Force and quickly distinguished himself as a skilled Fighter Pilot earning recognition for his bravery and dedication during his early service in the Vietnam War flying combat in the F-4 Phantom. On his first tour in Southeast Asia, at Korat, Royal Thai Airforce Base in Thailand, he was selected to be a member of the Tiger Fast Forward Air Controller Program (Tiger FAC) whose mission was to intercept and destroy enemy targets.
During his 26 years of service, Les was assigned to a variety of positions at Base, Major Command and the Pentagon. He commanded the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and subsequently was selected to be the Director of Operations for HQ United States Air Forces in Europe where he delighted in the fact that he was one of the few HQ staff authorized to wear a flight suit every day and fly the F-16 Falcon as part of the job!
Among his many medals and commendations, Les was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with numerous oak leaf clusters.
Les retired from the Air Force in the rank of Colonel, and continued to excel in his second career as a Senior Vice President for Science Applications International Corporation, a US based technology company in Washington DC.
Les’ love for flying was only matched by his love for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Patti, daughter Cammie (Garrett), grandsons Lesley Kent (Katy), Garrett (Nicole), and Harry, and brothers Michael (Pat) and Terry (Anna).
Les and Patti discovered Edenton in 1995, and knew it was to be their “forever homeplace.” Les was fond of “moving dirt” with his John Deere and driving “Ol Blue,” a 1998 Toyota pickup, accompanied by Harvey, the chocolate Lab, in the back seat. He loved the Yeopim community and was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and an 8- year volunteer at the Chowan County Food Pantry.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 29, 2025, at 2 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery is planned for a future date.
Colonel Lesley L. Kersey will be remembered not only for his outstanding service and commitment to our country but also for his unwavering love for family and friends.
We wish you “Fair Skies and Tailwinds” heading West, dear Les!!