Arthur Eldridge Leake, III

Arthur Eldridge Leake, III was born May 14, 1968 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Brenda England Leake of Marion, NC and Arthur Eldridge Leake, Jr. of Marshall, NC.

“Art” graduated from Erwin High School. Challenged with an early diagnosis of schizophrenia, Art faced each day with determination and hope. He brought much joy to his family with his sharp sense of humor!

After a diagnosis of lung cancer, Messino Cancer Care gave Art hope and love during his many years of treatment there. We thank all of you! The disease progressed and Art met the good folks with Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. He was able to remain at home until recently when he required skilled symptom management at the inpatient facility. Art died peacefully on March 10, 2025. We treasure the staff at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills who made Art comfortable and allowed him to die with such dignity.

Art is survived by his mom, Brenda Thomsen and brother, Michael Leake of the home, and his beloved Marion family which included, Aunt Wanda Laney, “Cuz” Michelle Smith, and Morgan and Maddie Revis. Art always knew they were there with love and support. He is also survived by his father, Eldridge Leake, Jr., of Asheville; uncle, Larry Leake of Mars Hill, NC; half-siblings, Marcus Leake, Andy Leake, and Abby Leake Hensley; and cousin, Allie Leake.

Donations that could honor Art and his life challenges would include: Food Pantry at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Marion, NC, North Carolina Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NCAMI), or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.