Roger Louis Leeson Jr.

Roger Louis "Rocky" Leeson, Jr., 63, of Cary, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025. He was born March 26th, 1961, in Crawfordsville, IN. He was the son of the late Roger Louis and Lois Alice Leeson.
He is survived by his son, Connor Leeson (Carrie) of Richmond, VA; partner Kelly Byrnes of Wake Forest, NC; sisters Elain Dahl (David) of Washington, IN, Wendy Wyatt of Holdrege, NE, and Amy Leeson of Washington; nephews Nicholas Dahl (Katie) of Washington, Alex Wyatt (Ashley) of Holdrege; and niece Erin Fox (Tim) of Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Louis and Lois Alice Leeson of Crawfordsville, and brother-in-law Richard Wyatt of Holdrege.
Roger was a stellar athlete growing up, excelling as a three-sport star in football, track (shotput), and wrestling for Crawfordsville High School, earning 8 varsity letters. During his senior year in 1979, he was chosen as MVP of the football team and selected for the Indiana North-South All-Star Game, playing alongside future NFL talent. He also earned All-Conference honors in 1976 and 1978. He earned both academic and athletic scholarships to Ball State University in Muncie, IN, where he studied in their renowned architecture program and played football for their Division 1 program.
Roger loved being out in nature, especially while riding his bike. Later in life, he found a tremendous group of friends who shared his love of mountain biking, and they shared many years of friendship and fellowship out on the trails. He also enjoyed many days with friends camping, skiing, and kayaking.
Roger showed his love for others through food and cooking. He always went the extra mile to ensure no one who came to his house left hungry, and you could always count on him to provide a delicious meal. There was nothing he wouldn't try - from tacos, to curry, to jambalaya, Roger made it all with fervor and joy. He was particularly known for his famous spiced pecans that he shared with loved ones during the holidays.
Roger enjoyed his work as an architect for over 35 years, designing primarily K-12 school buildings throughout the state of North Carolina. He served as the President-Elect of the American Institute of Architects - North Carolina in 2012 and as President in 2013. He was also recognized by AIA as the recipient of their Award of Merit, as well as earning an Award of Excellence from the Town of Cary Mayor's Office. An early champion of environmentally sustainable design, Roger was exceedingly proud of his contributions to the spaces that shape our state's future leaders.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Prior to the services, the family will receive loved ones from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.
The family invites those unable to attend to view the service via livestream: Roger Leeson Jr. Memorial Service
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Tour de Cure: North Carolina or North Carolina Friends of State Parks, to honor Roger's love of biking, nature, and sustainability.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Leeson family.