Leroy N Carlson

Dateline: Fayetteville

Retired CSM LeRoy N Carlson, age 79, passed away of natural causes on August 15, 2015, at Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida.

Lee is survived by his son Robert Carlson of Ocean Isle Beach NC, and his daughter and son-in-law, Kim Carlson and Richard Hunter of Kissimmee Fl., and 5 grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane N. Carlson who passed on July 17, 2012.

Lee was born on November 2, 1935 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to parents Ernest and Constance Carlson. As a young child they moved to live in southern California where he attended school and college. He was very athletic young man and enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. At some point he had decided to honor his country by joining the United States Army.

Lee joined the service and served his Country honorably for 30 years. His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him several awards, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 devices, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross Gallantry with Palm, Silver Star, M-16 Expert Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Laos), Bronze Star, Jungle Expert Badge and Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal. During his tours in Vietnam he was invalid in one of our country’s most important efforts, The Son Tay Raid. He continued to humbly serve his country and earned five Meritorious Service Medals, Master Parachute Badge, nine Good Conduct Medals, and Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon. He rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major which concluded his service in 1st Special Warfare Training Battalion over seeing S.E.R.E training.

Lee was busy serving his country but found time to find the love of his life. Diane Sue Neal was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC. Diane worked for over 30 years with H&R Block as a Tax Preparer, teacher and office manager.  Lee and Diane were married on April 6, 1958 in Fayetteville NC and started their family. They were married for 54 years until Diane’s passing. Lee truly loved and cherished this woman throughout their marriage and still to this day. The loss of her was the toughest battle he endeavored. But at last he has joined her again in internal happiness.

Lee loved one other thing almost as much as Diane. That was the game of golf. He excelled at this as everything else he tried. Over the Years he won tournaments all over the country. At his local course he got two holes -in-one at same hole almost a year apart. He loved the game so much that when he was in the hospital it made him mad they didn’t have the Golf Channel.