Charles Benjamin Leonhardt, III, 63, of Valdese, NC, passed away on February 4, 2026.

A graduate of East Burke High School, Class of 1980, Charles proudly served in the United States Army. Known for his gift of gab, he never met a stranger and had a natural talent for connecting with people. A lifelong salesman, he owned the family business, Lake Charles Carp Pond, where his pride in the family business and people-first approach were evident. He loved life, music, and the conversations that turned strangers into friends.

He was the son of the late Mary Zelle Clonch Leonhardt and the late Charles Benjamin Leonhardt, Jr., and was preceded in death by his siblings Michael Alan Waters and Debra Lynn Battle.

Charles is survived by his companion Lisa Rockett, his sister Darja Elaine Leonhardt (Chris); his son Charles Benjamin Leonhardt IV (Danielle); his grandson Charles Benjamin Leonhardt, V; his half-sister Linda Hadzima; his nephews Chase Hogg, Mike Waters (Karla), Matthew Battle; and his nieces Nichole Silver (Scott), Brittany Waters, Kyra Bumgarner (Charlie).

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 26 at 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home in Valdese, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burke Recovery, 203 White St., Morganton, NC 28655, burkerecovery.com

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family and an online obituary and guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com