Leslie Wicker

The Rev. Dr. Leslie Cleveland Wicker 78 of Naples went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family and friends, Monday, October 25, 2021 at his residence. Born June 10th, 1943 he was the son of the late Lyness Carl and Lecta Lee Oliver Wicker. Les was a minister for 60 plus years serving churches in various parts of of the country. He impacted so many lives in his ministry and missions. He strived to make a positive difference in the lives he touched. Throughout his life, he was recognized with honors, both community and church awards. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Duke University and a PhD from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. He is the founding pastor of the First Congregational church of Naples, establishing the church in 2004, along with the help of so many of the faithful stepping up to make the church a reality, becoming the "Miracle Church." Pastor Wicker unfolds the history of the FCCN through his published book, "The Miracle Church," an incredible story of a pastor's journey in a new church start and the people who made it happen. He wrote and published three other books and has led several charity golf tournaments. He served on missions in Honduras and missions for children in various parts of the world, helped build Habitat homes and led marriage enrichment retreats and family development programs. He was an avid golfer and fisherman who loved to travel. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

His wife and partner in life of 56 years, Phyllis Wicker; two sons, Robin Wicker and family of Naples and Dale Wicker and family of Claremont, NC; two brothers, Carl Dewey Wicker of Mocksville, NC and James Lewis Wicker of Eagle Springs, NC; a sister, Willa Lee Hughey of Leland, NC; six grandchildren, Christopher, Christian, Anthony, Prescott, Sarah and Parker survive him.

The funeral will be 11:00 am Friday October, 29, 2021 at First Congregational Church of Naples with Rev. Joy Baumgarner, Rev. Joe Essick and The Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-6:30 pm Thursday October 28, 2021 at the church. In addition, the family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 pm Sunday October 31, 2021 at Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton, NC. Burial will follow at 5:00 pm Sunday at a graveside service at Flint Hill Christian Church Cemetery in Biscoe, NC with Rev. Hugh Thompson officiating.

Memorials may be made to the ministry and mission of Ebenezer Christian School. Pastor Wicker had a passion for ministry and missions; Ebenezer Christian School and the children that benefit from it's life-changing existence in Honduras was something he held close to his heart. Donations should be made to the care of First Congregational Church of Naples for the Ebenezer Christian School.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Wicker family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.