WILMINGTON — Karlton Ludwig “Lud” Leiner, 91, of Wilmington, NC, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was born on March 9,1933 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Carlton Bertram Leiner and Shirley Hobbs Leiner Silance.
Lud was preceded in death by his sons, Carlton Bertram Leiner and Charles Michael Leiner.
Lud is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 69 years, Joyce Congleton Leiner and three daughters, Sharon Supplee (Donny), Suzanne Wenzell (John), and Beth Hollis (Rob), two daughters-in-law, Beth Leiner (Bert) and Donna Leiner (Michael), 15 grandchildren, Charlie Leiner, Emily Duvall (Corey), Chris Leiner (Cloe), Andy Supplee (Jessa), Billy Supplee (Michelle), Timmy Supplee (Mari-Kate), Kenny Supplee, Derek Leiner (Kathleen), Carl Leiner (Elizabeth), Jennifer Brigham (Nick), Laura Cotsapas (Ion), Amanda Wenzell Nigro (Matt), Johnny Wenzell (Kim), Joseph Hollis (Sarah) and Jill Hollis Weins (Rob) and 18 great- grandchildren.
Lud attended Wilmington College (now UNCW) for 2 years, until he was drafted, serving our country in the US Army. Upon his return he met the love of his life, Joyce Congleton. He and Joyce were married in 1955, beginning a life together filled with incredible family times in Wilmington, NC, Columbia, SC, in the mountains of western North Carolina, and most recently, full circle back to Wilmington.
After 33 years with Colgate, Lud and Joyce retired to Burnsville, NC where they engaged in growing boxwoods and Christmas trees and created and ran Rock Mine Tours. His first love was entertaining the children and grandchildren in the mountains.
He was a committed follower of Christ and an active member of their churches wherever they lived, serving as a deacon and on many committees, as well as in the Lions Club and the Tree Growers Association.
Lud is remembered most for his love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his kindness and generosity and friendliness to everyone he met.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, March 12, at Winter Park Baptist Church, Wilmington, NC, followed by burial in Oakdale Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.
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