Leslie H. Cribbs, Sr. was the first of two sons born to Charlie and Lillie Harvey Cribbs. He was born February 7, 1908, in Bryan County. Leslie's brother was Corbett Cribbs. Leslie married Orie Shuman on January 5, 1926, in Pembroke, Georgia. Mr. Albert Wise pronounced them man and wife. Orie and Leslie were blessed with four children; the fifth child died at birth. They named their children Florence, Gladys, Leslie, Jr., and John.
Unfortunately, God called Orie home after she suffered a stroke at a young age of thirty-four. She died September 9, 1937.
Several years passed for Leslie and his young family before he married Janie Gill. They were married May 1, 1939, and they, too, were blessed with a daughter, Sherry.
Leslie was truly a good man. He worked hard all of his life and was a true and faithful friend. He earned his living by farming, working in Henry Ford's mill, and by driving a log truck. Leslie was a great hunter of deer and turkey. He was highly respected by other devoted hunters. He could butcher a deer with the greatest of ease, and would eagerly teach anyone who sought his help. His second great love was fishing. He was as good at fishing as he was at hunting. His favorite meat was fish, his vegetable was peas, and he loved all desserts.
Leslie particularly enjoyed his daughter' cooking. Gladys often surprised and pleased him with her blueberry cake. Florence found favor with her father by bringing him her sour cream pound cake. Sherry's carrot cake was always a real treat for him.
Leslie's two sons were a source of pride and love for him. Leslie, Jr. (known to all as Sambo) pleased his Dad with his uncanny ability to turn an ordinary piece of wood into a priceless piece of treasured furniture. Leslie was very proud of Sambo's knack for using his head and hands together to create a true masterpiece.
John, the youngest son, remembers his Dad's early teachings concerning a day's work and safety. John was respected by Leslie for his years of accident-free driving with Derst Baking Company.
Leslie enjoyed his life by doing the simple things;
picking huckleberries, growing roses (red was his favorite), gardening,
and sitting on his front porch for hours on end talking to anyone who stopped
by. His grandchildren and his great-grandchildren were his heartstrings.
Never once was Leslie too tired, too busy, or too much in a hurry to talk
with his grandchildren. All children loved him. Leslie's life,
in this world, came to a close July 13, 1984, in Richmond Hill. He
is buried in the Richmond Hill Cemetery. He will always be loved
and remembered by all whose life and heart he touched, ever so softly,
yet deeply.