George Gusman "Gus" Leist

George G. Leist Obituary

George “Gus” Leist, 97, died on March 14, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirley H. Leist. Survivors include Karen Finnegan (Robert) of Newberry, SC, Stephen Leist (Joanna Binford) of Virginia Beach, and extended family members Joshua Curtis (Windy Lane) of Lexington, KY, and Daniel Curtis (Samantha) of Prosperity, SC; a nephew, David C. Leist (Deborah) of Ohio and a cousin, Martha Jane Livesay, Gastonia, NC. A veteran of World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He was employed as a chemist by Texize, later Dow Brands, where he developed Fantastik, Spray n’ Wash, and worked on other national product developments. His music activities for many years include the Christ Church choir and the Greenville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. A service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 910 Hudson Road, at a later date. Memorials can be made to the music program at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.