Kel Landis III

Howard Kelly Landis III passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2021 following a heroic two-year battle with cancer. He fought the disease much like he lived his life - with determination and persistence, strength, grace and humility.

Kel was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend and mentor. He was a respected business and civic leader, and deeply loved by many people around the state and beyond. Kel valued the intrinsic worth of all people. And those who got to know him felt that appreciation and were lifted up by his friendship. He was one of those special leaders who had the gift of making good things happen and inspiring others to follow him in his goodness.

The list of accomplishments seems far too long for just one man. Governor Cooper recently awarded him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor. He served the state in so many ways. As senior economic advisor to the Governor in 2005, Kel worked to grow small businesses, his passion, particularly in Eastern NC. A two-time graduate of the University of NC at Chapel Hill, he loved the university and gave generously of his time and talent. He served on the UNC-CH Board of Trustees, chaired and served on the board of the Kenan Flagler Business School and the UNC Board of Visitors. He was a member of the UNC Foundation’s Board of Directors, and served on the board of the Kenan Flagler Institute for Private Enterprise. He received the William Richardson Davie award given to those who exemplify dedication, commitment and service to the University from the UNC Board of Trustees in 2019. He was a Trustee of the NC Supplemental Retirement Fund, and former chair of the NC Bankers Association.

He grew up in Rocky Mount with his mother, Corinne Etheridge Landis and late father, Howard Kelly Landis Jr., affectionately known in the community as “Big Kel” and his brother, Mark. He loved his hometown and never lost sight of his roots. He earned his Eagle Scout designation at age 15.

Kel’s influence in business was remarkable. He was named the first CEO of RBC Centura Bank in the United States and expertly guided the company through a series of mergers and acquisitions. He went on to become a founding managing partner of Plexus Capital, taking it from an idea to managing 1.5 billion dollars in assets and being named SBIC of the year by the Small Business Administration. He was so proud of his team, and loved his partners like family. Kel also served on the board of Live Oak Bank where he was honored to support the team that took it from a niche bank in 2008 to the very successful publicly traded enterprise it is today. He formed deep and enduring friendships with his partners at LOB. Kel was on the board of the NC Community Foundation, formerly served as a trustee of Elizabeth State University, and was chair of the capital campaign for the YMCA in his hometown of Rocky Mount. He was a proud William Friday Fellow for Human Relations, and most recently worked to raise the funds needed to build the NC Freedom Park, honoring the African American struggle for freedom. But of all of his accomplishments, he was most proud of his two extraordinary children and two grandchildren.

In 2014, Kel published “The Little Book of Do” - a road map of the principles that served him so well in life. “It is not the achievement of goals that makes life rich and fulfilling” he wrote, “but the journey in pursuit of those goals.” Howard Kelly Landis III’s life journey left an indelible mark on North Carolina and on the many people he touched during his life.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Nina Szlosberg-Landis; his daughter, Dorsey Tobias, son-in-law Jeff Tobias, two grandsons, Capson and Walter Tobias; his son, HK Landis IV; his mother, Corinne Landis; his brother, Mark Landis and his wife, Margaret; and his nephews, Fred, Mac and Henry.

There are countless friends and relatives the family wishes to thank for their support and generosity these past few years. We felt the power of your love always which sustained us through the many difficult days we endured.

The family held a small private service at St Michael’s Episcopal Church in the outside garden, in accordance with Covid guidelines. A celebration of life will be held at a later date so Kel’s many friends and colleagues can honor the life of this gifted and special man.

Given these difficult times for so many, the family urges those who wish to convey condolences, to consider a contribution in Kel’s name to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC or other organization helping those in need. Food Bank Donation Link, https://secure.foodbankcenc.org/site/Donation

IMPORTANT MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION:

Dear Friends,

Thanks to all of you who were able to attend the online memorial Saturday morning for our beloved Kel. I have heard from so many who were touched by all of the stories friends shared during the service.

Others have written to say they missed the service and wondered if there was another way to see it.

Fortunately it is posted online now.

You can see it using this link: https://www.webcastregister.live/howardlandis/

If you'd like to download, here are those links:

Memorial: https://vimeo.com/505292971

More Stories: https://vimeo.com/505303460

Please feel free to share with others...

Thank you again for your love, support and friendship.

With Love,

Nina Szlosberg-Landis

Much love,

Nina Szlosberg-Landis

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.