Leslie A. Bostic

On November 8, 2022, Leslie (Les) Bostic passed away with his daughter Lisa (Bostic) Paro and son Jeff Bostic by his side.

Les’ story began December 9, 1933, in the small rural town of Biscoe, NC as one of six children (four boys – Mack, Eugene, Oran, and Les and two girls – Christine and Shirley). Les and his siblings grew up with the work ethic and commitment required to make it through very challenging times. Those traits and characteristics were the backbone of his drive and ultimate success. One pastime that grabbed his attention was baseball. He and his brothers, especially Gene, were local stars who were known to play in adult leagues as boys for local Mill teams in the summer. Baseball and basketball lead Les to Campbell College on an athletic scholarship.

After Campbell, Les moved to Richmond to complete his undergraduate degree at William and Mary. While there pursuing his Master’s degree, he met his wife, Jo, who was also pursuing a Master’s in social work. Their shared passion for social work led them to Columbus, Ohio in 1959. As he progressed through his career, Les never stopped learning, eventually earning his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Education was always very important to him.

While working as a probation officer in Columbus, Les was offered the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of women to create, build, and develop “The Buckeye Boys Ranch.” Known today as “The Buckeye Ranch,” his legacy to provide support, treatment, and prospect to young people who are having a difficult time, lives on. The Ranch will forever be a testament to his love and belief in helping everyone achieve some version of happiness and security in their lives. Les spent 40 years leading a wonderful team in building The Ranch into one of the most respected treatment facilities in the country.

During his time with The Ranch, Les and friends developed a plan to introduce professional tennis to Columbus, Ohio in conjunction with The Buckeye Ranch as its chief fundraising event. The first year, in 1971, a young man named Jimmy Connors won his first professional event. This initiative lasted 11 years but Les’ love for tennis lasted well into his later years. He loved to incorporate sports into his life inside and outside of work. He participated for many years with the tennis event, The Columbus 500, The Touchdown Club of Columbus, and the NFL Hall of Fame Group. Les was an active member and past president of The Athletic Club of Columbus where he spent many years playing basketball and staying in tremendous physical shape. Tennis was his competitive sport. Les played weekly and was said to never need a backhand because he was expertly ambidextrous. Fitness, exercise, and health were important cornerstones throughout his life.

After retiring from The Ranch, Les served as the City Administrator of Grove City, Ohio. Grove City was home to Les, Joey, Lisa, and Jeff. Serving the city that had been such an important part of The Ranch and his family, was a proud moment.

His final passion came during his time with the USO. Les was medically unable to serve his country and truly cherished his opportunity to work with and lead the USO in Columbus, Ohio. Some of his most special relationships were made late in life through this and he truly was proud of his service to the USO.

Throughout his career and post-career Les was recognized by many local, state, and national organizations for his contributions to and accomplishments in leading the way to create opportunity for those who faced life challenges and, at times, simply needed hope or someone to believe in them. That was Les. Each life that he was able to improve was the reward he most coveted. Les also served on many social, community, educational and governmental boards/task forces. He was honored with several significant recognitions for his life’s work with children and young adults.

• Ohio Governors Award (two-time recipient)

• Columbus Ohio Hall of Fame

• Grove City Service Above Self Award

• The Columbus Foundation Award

• Leslie A Bostic Intensive Care Center Dedication, The Buckeye Ranch

• Former Chairman of the Ernie Godfrey Chapter of the NFL Hall of Fame

• Former Member of State Savings Board of Directors for 25 years

Most importantly, Les was all about his family. Les and Jo raised Lisa and Jeff in Grove City. His children were his priority. He provided the love and example to his children that has paved a very strong path for them both. The most special part of Les’ life were his granddaughters, McKenzie (25), Lilly (24) and Jenna (24). His joy was watching the girls grow and develop. Many days were spent in gyms watching volleyball and basketball or on a field watching field hockey and lacrosse. Before the granddaughters, he was ever present at baseball fields, gyms, football fields, or any venue where his children, Lisa and Jeff were involved. Les will be complete again when reunited with Jo who passed 24 years ago and has been waiting for him to return home.

The family will greatly miss Les, Dad, Daddy, Pop Pop, Papa Les, Mr. B every day. A family ceremony will be held in Biscoe, NC on November 18. A Celebration of Life is being planned in Columbus, Ohio for December 16 at 10:00am at The Grove City United Methodist Church, 2684 Columbus St, Grove City, Ohio. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to The Buckeye Ranch (5665 Hoover Rd., Grove City, Ohio 43123 // 614-875-2371) and/or the USO.