Bernard Franklin McLeod Jr.

1926 - 2025

Bernard Franklin McLeod, Jr.

September 27, 1926 - September 26, 2025

Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina - Bernard Franklin McLeod, Jr., 98, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home early Friday morning, September 26, 2025 one day shy of his 99th birthday. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Cozart McLeod, and their daughter, Martha Cozart McLeod.

He is survived by his two sons, Bernard Franklin McLeod, III and wife, Elaine, and Wiley Stewart McLeod and wife, Tammy; five granddaughters, Martha Heath (Tyler), Hannah Parks (Kevin), Madison Turner (Matt), Hilary Squire (Tom), and Caroline McLeod; and six great-grandchildren, Emory and Powell Heath, and Brooks, Tucker, Grace and Eleanor Parks.

Bernard was the son of Bernard Franklin McLeod, Sr. and Lacy Anne Yearby McLeod. He had two older brothers, Louis McLeod and Lyman McLeod.

Bernard's life was deeply rooted in Campbell University. He was born in Buies Creek on September 27,1926 in a home that stood in what is now the heart of campus. He received his elementary through high school education at Buies Creek Academy, attended Campbell Junior College and graduated with a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest College in 1949.

Through the years, Bernard held fast his connection to his beloved hometown and its university. He served on the Campbell University Board of Trustees for 10 years and was named a Lifetime Trustee in 2018. In 2010 he was presented the James Archibald Campbell Meritorious Service Award.

His father was a Campbell College teacher and trustee and close friend of James Archibald Campbell, the founder of the school. Bernard knew all six Campbell presidents in the school's 138-year history. The fifth president, Brad Creed, once referred to Bernard as "a living memorial stone of this great university."

He was a dear and longtime friend of Jerry Wallace, who served as Campbell's fourth president. The two shared a great love for Buies Creek and Campbell and enjoyed talking about their Scottish heritage. They often met for lunch at the Corner Grill in Angier wearing hats adorned in the tartan plaids of their Scottish forefathers.

Bernard was the great-great-grandson of a Scottish immigrant, four generations removed from Scotland. He, however, was not removed, even by a hair, from being a Scotsman.

As a child of the Depression, he knew well the value of a dollar and the merits of a thrifty lifestyle. The McLeods hailed from the Highlands of Scotland, a land of striking beauty, yet harsh and rugged. As the saying goes, "a bonnie Scotsman can make much from little." Bernard fit the mold indeed.

He was raised a Baptist in a staunchly Baptist community, but the love of his life, Virginia, was a Methodist. After their marriage in 1950 and a move to Virginia's hometown, Bernard joined her church, Fuquay-Varina United Methodist. Throughout their 65 years of marriage, the church remained the centerpiece of their lives. Following her passing, he continued to attend faithfully until declining health prevented him from doing so. Over the years, he served in several leadership positions and played an instrumental role in the construction of the new church building and the move to its present location in 1999.

He especially cherished family gatherings where he basked in the love and attention of his five granddaughters. Bernard also had a special bond with his niece, Paula Smith, who visited frequently bearing homemade goodies. Paula would often say, "Bernard, I love your pretty blue eyes."

Bernard loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing for speckled trout on the North Carolina coast. For many years, he spent his days tending with pride his azaleas, camelias, rhododendrons, boxwoods and immaculately kept grounds. His yard was his hobby and staying active contributed to his longevity.

He was a successful real estate developer, trader and investor, with a keen eye for a deal. Few could drive a harder bargain than Bernard – whether for a pair of pants or shoes on sale or a tract of land – earning admiration from friends, family and colleagues alike.

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Carla Robinson, Mary Epps, Shelia Harrelson and Renee McLean. The foursome provided him with great care, love and comfort for the last few years of his life. The friendship and regular Sunday afternoon visits by Frank Lane, a fellow church member, is much appreciated. Thanks also to the Amedisys Hospice Care team of Rich, Caleb and Allen.

A funeral service will be held at Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church on Monday, September 29 at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Owen Barrow officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Wake Chapel Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church. Funeral arrangements were made by Thomas Funeral Home.