Jack Gary "Jackie" Leader

Jack Gary Leader February 4, 1946 - August 27, 2025 Rock Hill, SC – Jack G. Leader, lovingly known as "Jackie" to those who knew him the longest, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was born and raised in Rock Hill, where his family owned and operated Leaders, Inc., a longtime retail store on Main Street. He attended Rock Hill High School, where he excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete in football, basketball, and golf. He went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he became a lifelong Tar Heel, before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. After law school, Jack returned home to begin what became a remarkable 53-year legal career. He first practiced with Ed Jackson at Jackson & Leader Law Firm, where he discovered his love for the courtroom. He later served as Assistant Solicitor for the City of Rock Hill (1973–1976), and then balanced private practice at Spencer & Spencer Law Firm while also serving as Assistant Solicitor for the 16th Judicial Circuit in York County (1976–1985). During those years, he worked closely with Solicitor "Red" Ferguson, prosecuting countless criminal cases. In 1989, Jack became a partner at Elrod Pope Law Firm, where he continued practicing alongside his law partners as long as his health allowed. It was one of the greatest privileges of his career to be later joined by his son who chose to follow in his father's footsteps. Jack found deep fulfillment in being a lawyer. Known for his compassion and relentless advocacy, he guided thousands of clients with wisdom and care. He received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the South Carolina Association for Justice's Matthew J. Perry Public Service Award. He also took great pride in mentoring young lawyers, students, and paralegals, sharing not just legal knowledge but also his sense of integrity and humanity. Yet above all the honors, it was always the trust of his clients and colleagues that mattered most to him. More than anything, Jack was devoted to his family. A loving husband, father, and "Poppy" to his grandchildren, he was charismatic and easygoing, never meeting a stranger. He often said, "You can never have too many friends," and he truly lived by that motto. Jack's happiest moments were spent with family and friends. For more than 70 years, he was a daily presence at the YMCA, rarely missing a lunchtime workout with friends. He had a lifelong love of golf, playing countless rounds at Rock Hill Country Club, where he remembered every shot and every friendship made along the way. He also loved fishing, shrimping, skiing, and golf trips with his family and closest friends. A gifted storyteller, Jack was known for keeping everyone laughing with tales of his Rock Hill childhood, whether strictly true or simply well told. Jack also gave generously of his time to his community. He served on numerous boards and committees and was active in the York County Bar Association, the South Carolina Association for Justice, and the American Association for Justice. He was a past board member of Kiwanis International, the American Cancer Society, Rock Hill Sports Council, and the Rock Hill/York County Sports & Tourism Commission. Among his many contributions, he was especially proud to be one of the founding volunteers of Hospice & Community Care in Rock Hill. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Laurie Padgett Leader, whose love and companionship he found second to none; his daughter, Sara Leader Haynie; his son, Ben Leader, and daughter-in-law, Lauren Leader; and his two beloved grandsons, Ben Jr. and Will Leader. He is also survived by his in-laws, Jerry and Carole Padgett; sister-in-law, Lydia Padgett; cousin, Anita Grey; and a host of cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Miriam Posner Leader. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:00 am, followed by a graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Rock Hill at 1:30 pm. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 2:30-4:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29732, or to the charity of one's choice.