Leslie Austin Pankey, 81, of Forest, Virginia, died peacefully at Wyndhurst Health and Rehab, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Born at home in Appomattox, Virginia, on August 8, 1944, he was the son of late Leslie Gordon Pankey and Gladie Myrtle Adams Pankey. He was preceded in death by his dear nephew, Brian Ripley. So many of his Pankey and Adams relatives have predeceased him.

He is survived by: his devoted wife, Elizabeth Ripley Pankey; his brother, Ralph Elwood Pankey; brothers-in law, Robert Wayne Ripley (Christie) and Charles Edward Ripley (Benita); nephews, Matthew Ripley (Jesi), Bradley Ripley (Anna), and Forrest Ripley (Laura); nieces, Angela Ripley (Bradley Johnson) and Krystal R. Kincaid (Brad); grand nephews and grand nieces, Jonah Ripley(Laura), Eden Ripley, Braiden Ripley, Aria Ripley, and Silas Elizabeth Ripley; and a bountiful treasure trove of friends and church family. The beautiful caregivers at Wyndhurst treated him as if he were their own family.

Austin retired from Central Virginia Community College as Business Manager, was employed at Owens Illinois in Big Island, Piedmont Flour Mill, tobacco factories in Richmond, and labored long and hard in the tobacco fields with his father and brother while growing up.

He grew up at Elon Baptist Church in Pamplin, Virginia, joined Euclid Christian Church after getting married in 1973, and transferred membership to Timberlake Christian Church upon the closing of Euclid. He was a very capable and willing disciple and loved his churches and gave selflessly of his time as deacon, elder, treasurer, stewardship chair, teacher, board member, committees closing Euclid Christian, and many others.

He graduated from Appomattox High School, Lynchburg College, and obtained a Master’s in Business from Lynchburg College. Basketball was a passion in high school and college and he was a star player in high school. He thoroughly enjoyed wearing his Air Force ball cap and pin, professional and Blues Clubs, collecting and selling vinyl records, watching football and basketball, and walking and talking and laughing through daily adventures with his loving wife either at home or on many travels. Austin was a gentleman, yet full of fun, and drew people to him. He loved the dogs from his childhood and the five miniature poodles that he and Elizabeth parented for 43 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at Timberlake Christian Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 with a visitation being held one hour prior. A reception will follow immediately after the service. Interment will take place following the reception at Spring Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the “Faith, Hope, and Love Building Fund” at: Timberlake Christian Church, 20261 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, VA 24502-3978.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.