Obituary of Leonard Murphy Laye

Leonard Murphy Laye, Jr., 78, passed away Wednesday, March 16 after an extended illness. Mr. Laye was born January 1, 1944 in Charlotte, NC, son of the late Leonard Murphy Laye, Sr. and Mamie Marlow Laye. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley Hopper Laye; two sons Scott Laye (Marnie), Larry Laye (Cristi) and grandchildren Jacob Laye (Emma) and Emily Ekleberry (Bonham) and his beloved cat Maggie Mae. Leonard spent more than 40 years covering a variety of sports including NASCAR, college basketball and the NBA. He began his career at the Gastonia, NC Gazette and went on to work for the Greenville, SC News, the Charlotte News and the Charlotte Observer. During his retirement he remained an avid fan and surely will be sitting court side writing a story at a heavenly hoops contest. Leonard also served as an auxiliary police officer for over 20 years with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. A celebration of life service will be held at Commonwealth United Methodist Church, 2434 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC on Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Leonard was a long time member of Commonwealth United Methodist Church in Charlotte and also attended Trinity United Methodist Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Memorials can be made to Commonwealth United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association, PO Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 19176-9929 or action.lung.org/goto/Leonard_Laye. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Grand Strand Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care of Leonard during his final days. Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.