Deacon Dr. Jeffrey Bernard Leak

With profound sadness and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Deacon Dr. Jeffrey Bernard Leak, an esteemed professor, accomplished scholar, faithful servant of God, devoted husband, loving father, mentor, and cherished friend. Dr. Leak entered eternal rest on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:21 p.m., leaving a legacy of excellence, integrity, scholarship, and unwavering faith. Born on August 13, 1968, Dr. Leak was a lifelong learner whose passion for education and service shaped every chapter of his life. A graduate of Myers Park High School, Class of 1986, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Campbell University (1990), a Master of Arts from Delaware State University (1992), and a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Literature (1997). He later completed a prestigious New England Board of Higher Education Postdoctoral Fellowship (1997–1998). In 1998, Dr. Leak joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he served for nearly three decades as a tenured professor, mentor, and respected academic leader. He held numerous leadership roles, including Faculty Representative to Athletics and the NCAA, Faculty Fellow for the Martin Scholars Program, and Interim Associate Dean of the Honors College (2022–2024). He was also selected as an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, completing a prestigious leadership fellowship at the highest level during an academic year at Johnson C. Smith University. He also directed the Center for the Study of the New South and the McNair Scholars Program, championing student success, and educational opportunity. A distinguished author and voice in American literary studies, Dr. Leak published Visible Man: The Life of Henry Dumas, Racial Myths and Masculinity in American Literature, Rac(e)ing to the Right: Selected Essays, and Henry Dumas and the Challenge of Biography. His scholarship deepened the understanding of race, identity, and American culture. His commitment to service extended beyond the classroom. Since 2001, Dr. Leak faithfully served as a Deacon at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he also coordinated devotionals and chaired the C.W. Kerry Scholarship, helping students pursue higher education. In 2000, he married the love of his life, Renee’ Anthony Leak of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Together they built a home rooted in faith, love, and family. He was the proud father of Jaelyn Mikayla Leak and Rylan Jeffrey Leak. Dr. Leak was preceded in death by his parents, John Perry Leak and Hattie Luvaine Grier Leak, and his brother, John Perry Leak Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Renee’ Anthony Leak; his beloved children, Jaelyn Mikayla Leak and Rylan Jeffrey Leak; his sisters, Rita Leak Franklin, Juliette Leak, and Betty Moore; his nephews, Michael Joseph Franklin (Vicky) and Derick Franklin (Lakeysier); his sister-in-law, Rachelle Anthony; and a host of loving family members, colleagues, former students, church family, and friends. Dr. Leak believed in the transformative power of education, the purpose of scholarship, and the strength of faith. His influence lives on through the students he mentored, the lives he touched, and the love he shared. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy of wisdom, compassion, and faithful service will endure for generations. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

Deacon Dr. Jeffrey Bernard Leak

August 13, 1968 - June 29, 2026