Joel Wayne Lesley

Joel Wayne Lesley was born into this life on January 22, 1942, in Itawamba County, Mississippi and departed this life on August 12, 2023.

Mr. Lesley is survived by a son, Dr. Michael Montesi and three granddaughters, Anna Peyton Montesi, Hayden Elizabeth Montesi, and Maggie Claire Montesi, all of Isola, Mississippi: a stepson, Brad Welch, his wife Beth, and their children Kellyanne and Brody of Hernando, Mississippi.  

After graduating from Whitehaven High School, Mr. Lesley joined the military and served with the 101^st Airborne Division.  He was an animal lover and supported numerous shelters around the world.

Most recently, Mr. Lesley was the owner and president of Van Camp Trailers and Delta Leasing in Byram, Mississippi.

Joel will be deeply missed by family, friends, and associates.

Floral arrangements may be made through Bouquets of Pearl, 601-933-0029, (bouqetsofpearl.com).  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA), 1960 N Flag Chapel Rd, Jackson, MS 39209; Animal Rescue Fund of MS, 395 W Mayes St, Jackson, MS 39213; or Tunica Humane Society, P.O. Box 236, Tunica, MS 38676.

Services will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home, 2576 U.S. Hwy 49 S, Florence, Mississippi, at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.