David Banner Leslie III

         David Banner Leslie III, born March 28, 1959 of Prestonsburg, passed away January 30th , 2020 after an extended illness. 

         Leslie, an accomplished musician and performer, was a piano teacher for more than twenty years in Prestonsburg and surrounding communities. In addition to his Arnold Avenue studio in Prestonsburg, he taught for a time at the Mountain Arts Center, where he also performed.

         Leslie was a much sought after wedding pianist and supported the music program at Prestonsburg High School as a regular accompanist for the school’s Honor Choir. He was a longtime pianist at Pikeville’s Landmark Hotel, and the Galt House in Louisville. He served as pianist and organist at the First United Methodist Church in Prestonsburg, among others.

         He was perhaps best known for his many years as a prominent local piano teacher. In a 1985 Floyd County Times feature story, Leslie said, “I love teaching piano. I hope to continue teaching for the rest of my life.” He continued, “My students are very important to me. I want what’s best for them; I want them to reach their highest potential, and I’ll push them to get there.”

        Among other honors, including first place awards at many piano competitions, and recognition for musicianship from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Leslie was inducted into the Outstanding Young Men of America and was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.  

        He was a 1977 graduate of Prestonsburg High School and later attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Nashville, TN,  the University of Louisville, Transylvania University, and Morehead State University.

        He is survived  by his only child, David Banner Leslie IV, currently serving in the United States Army, and three half sisters, Phyllis Leslie Porter of Allen, Mary Rose Leslie and Nell Ruth Leslie Slone both of Prestonsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice Sturgill Leslie and David Banner Leslie, Jr., and by half sister Judy Leslie Shepherd all of Prestonsburg, KY.

        Funeral service will be conducted Monday, February 3, 2020 at 1 PM in the First United Methodist Church, Prestonsburg, KY, with Jerri Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Leslie Cemetery, Emma, with the Hall Funeral Home caring for those arrangements. Visitation is from 11 am until 1 pm Monday at the church.

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