Mr. Robert Hunter Leak Jr., the son of Mrs. Annie Mae Leak and the late Rev. Robert Hunter Leak Sr., departed this earthly life at home on Saturday, March 14, 2009. He was born November 26, 1953, in Charlotte.
He attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Robert graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1971. While at West Mecklenburg he was actively involved in the desegregation of the school. The story was featured on CBS 60 Minutes with Ed Bradley.
After high school he attended Appalachian State University, graduating with a B.A. degree in political science in 1975. Robert was involved in many organizations in college — the Men’s Glee Club and student government. Later, he was elected the first African- American student government president. After college he enjoyed many fulfilling careers.
He was a Charlotte policeman, public service director of the Mobile City Hall, where friends lovingly referred to him as Charlotte’s second African-American “Mayor.” He served as a housing referral specialist. Robert was instrumental in the start up of the Van Pool/Ride Share Program for the City of Charlotte. During this time, he served on the North Carolina Board of Transportation.
He left the City of Charlotte and became the operations manager for the E-Z Rider Program for Gray Line Transportation Co. His love of young people and his concern for our community lead him to become a mentor and a volunteer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. He loved his family and people in general.
Robert found the Lord at an early age, but had rededicated his life to God after his illness. He was a member of New St. John Baptist Church. Blessed with a beautiful baritone voice, he sang in the church choir and for many special functions in the City of Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Robert H. Leak Sr.
Left to cherish fond memories are his mother, Annie Mae Leak; two daughters Melina and Angel Gaines; brother, Donzell Leak; sister, Beverly Davis (David); three grandchildren, Mechael, Melick and Knickel Gaines; three nieces, Dana, Sharon and Melissa Davis; three aunts, Mrs. Ollie Elder, Mrs. Isabell Leak of Charlotte, and Mrs. Thelma Mason of Washington, DC. He is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.
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