Richard F. "Dick" Leis

RICHARD F. "DICK" LEIS, 78 Dick's Auto Sales LAKELAND - Richard F. "Dick" Leis, age 78, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at his home, after a brief battle with leukemia. Dick was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, on January 15, 1937. He came to Polk County in 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard C. and Irene Leis. He is survived by his wife, Doryce; son Richard (Kim) Leis of Bloomington, IL; daughter Diane (Mike) Coker of Lakeland; brothers Jim (Connie) Leis of Douglas, GA, John (Mary Ellen) Leis of Lakeland, Sandy (Jim) Jordan of Auburndale; step-mother Ranell Leis Hillman of Auburndale; and four grandchildren: Brian, Kristen, Matthew and Michael. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Dick and his brother John were co-owners of Dick""s Auto Sales in Lakeland until their recent retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed working in the automobile business, and looked forward to going to work every day. He was an avid sports fan; and enjoyed playing, coaching and sponsoring football, basketball and softball. Dick was a tremendous football player; he starred at Lakeland High School, and the University of Tampa. He was a multi-talented player who played several positions, including tackle, guard and linebacker. He continued playing football after college, playing an additional 8 years of semi-pro ball for local teams. Playing and coaching softball was his passion for 50+ years. Dick started playing fast pitch softball, before changing over to church league slow pitch softball in 1974. He continued playing until 2014. Dick was a part of numerous championship teams, which included winning three National Championships. The highlight of his softball career was being inducted in to the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2002. As much as Dick liked winning, he enjoyed even more the camaraderie and great friendships he developed while playing softball. He was loved by many, feared by some (on the field), and respected by all. A Memorial Service for Dick will be held at Scott Lake Baptist Church at 5811 Scott Lake Road, Lakeland, on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at 4:00. The family is asking in lieu of flowers that donations be made to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA, 01202. Service: 02/19/2015 Scott Lake Baptist Church 5811 Scott Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33813