FLAT ROCK — Leo J. “Lee” Reuther III of Flat Rock, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2012, after a short but brave battle with pneumonia. He was 90 years old.
Born in New York City in 1922 to Viola Wehner and Leo J. Reuther Jr., he was proud of his Irish/German heritage going back several generations. He attended New York schools, graduating from Barnard School for Boys and Columbia College, class of 1942. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army (Army Air Corps) and entered flight training in Texas and Kansas. He became a fighter pilot serving in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater. He ultimately flew 142 missions in P47s and P38s. He was discharged as a captain in 1945 after earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals, the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with three battle stars, the American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Presidential Citation and the Purple Heart.
After World War II, he entered upon the career of his life. In 1947, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent. After serving at headquarters in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Tennessee and the State of Washington, he returned to his office of preference, New York City, retiring in 1975 as supervisor in charge of major crimes, while also overseeing federal violations at New York airports.
Upon retirement, he moved from New York to Vermont where he enjoyed skiing and took up the game of golf. He spent nearly 20 years in a state that he’d loved since attending camp on Lake Champlain as a child. Dorset, Vermont, held a special place in his heart not only for its beauty, but for the wonderful friends made while living there. After major heart surgery, Northern winters were too severe, so Seabrook Island, S.C., became home. In 1999 he moved to Flat Rock, N.C., looking for four-season weather and the beauty of Vermont without the severity of winters. Here he enjoyed golfing with his men’s group and with his wife in mixed outings. One of the highlights of his years in Flat Rock was being included in the HonorAir trip to Washington. Always the ultimate patriot, he was grateful to be included and to see the World War II memorial.
Those who knew him well knew him as a passionate man. He loved his family, sports, especially baseball and the New York Yankees, boxing and golf. He was a competitive, beautiful swimmer, sprint runner, second baseman and marksman. Music and reading were passions until his death, when there were three books still on is nightstand. Always kind and considerate, he possessed a brilliant mind, a great sense of humor and a photographic memory.
He held memberships in the Dorest Field Club, Stratton Mountain Golf Club, Manchester Country Club, Seabrook Island Club, Hendersonville Country Club and Kenmure Country Club.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Betty Galen Knowles; two daughters by a former marriage, Loralee Neal of Longwood, Fla., Leslie O’Keeffe of Stony Point, N.Y.; grandchildren, Michael Crenshaw and Kelly Morales of Colorado; sister-in-law, Holly Groves of Patuxent, Md.; and brother-in-law, Christopher Shannon and family of Nantucket, Mass. He is also survived by his two cats whom he adored, Charleston Charlie and Dixie.
Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to Historic Flat Rock Inc., P.O. Box 295, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www. thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.
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