Leslie Starling, Sr.

Leslie “Les” Starling, Sr., beloved husband of Alma Lois Payne Starling, died Thursday, November 20, 2008 at his home in Gulfport after an 8 year battle with cancer. Mr. Starling was born in Selma, North Carolina and raised by his sister Estelle Matthews. Mr. Starling served 24 years in the United States Air Force where he served two tours of duty in Vietnam in 1966 and 1971. In 1966 he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his work on an air base in Vietnam. He was employed by Ingalls for over 20 years. He was a lifetime member of DAV Chapter 5 and VFW Post 3937 and was an annual member of American Legion Post 119 all in Gulfport. Mr. Starling was a member of the Royal Order of Trench Rats and was the past Golden Rodent two years in a row (2005-2006). Mr. Starling held a world record in Aviation at the age of 15 where he performed 35 spins from 5000’ in his home town of Selma, North Carolina. He was an avid fisherman. Mr. Starling is preceded in death by his parents Preston Jacob Starling and Pearl Woodard Starling; 4 brothers, Rufus Andrew Starling, Lester Dumont Starling, George Vick Starling, and Vernon Starling; 3 sisters, Estelle Matthews, Ruby Inez Dixon, and Bessie Ruth Starling. He is survived by his wife Alma Lois Payne Starling, 5 sons, Leslie Ronald Starling, Jerry Wayne Starling (Debra), Donald Guy Wentworth, Jr. (Vesta), John Arlington Wentworth (Inge), and Leslie Starling, Jr. (Terrie); 3 daughters, Jo Ann Honeycutt (Billy), Jeann’e Tara Blake (Greg), and Monica Ann Reichardt (Jeff); 2 brothers, Preston Onslow Starling and Curtis Lee Matthews; sister-in-law Barbara Jean Smith; brother-in-law Roy Arlington Payne; 10 grandsons, 8 granddaughters, 19 great-grandchildren, expecting a grandson on January 30, 2008, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be Monday, November 24, 2008 at 2pm at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on 15th Street in Gulfport with Dr. Dan Carr officiating. Friends may visit from noon to 2pm. Interment with full military honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery.