Leslie A. Wicks, Ii

Mr. Leslie A. Wicks, II (February 1, 1943-July 31, 2024) passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at his residence in Beaufort, SC.  Mr. Les was a life-long dreamer, entrepreneur, and visionary starting his first business at the young age of nine.  He developed this early passion for the business world into many roles as President and Chief Executive Officer of a number of companies from auto parts to the multinational market development industries.  Les has 22 patents in his name with two of them at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  He co-founded with his wife, Dr. Karen Wicks, The U.S. Institute of Learning in 1992 and in 2002 served as the Director of Business Development of the U.S. Institute of Learning.

He later developed the business plan for and served as the Chief Executive Officer of EdVISTA Learning Centers, Inc serving students’ learning needs in the greater New Jersey area.   Mr. Les’s refusal to accept the word “can’t” and his belief in his wife Karen’s abilities were the driving forces in 2012 as he and Karen co-founded Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Charter School in Hardeeville, SC leading the charter movement in Jasper County.  His unwavering belief in the potential of every student made him a beloved figure in the community. In April of 2024 his positivity, innovation, belief and commitment to providing educational opportunities to the youth in Jasper County earned Mr. Les and wife Karen Jasper County Chamber of Commerce’s  Sergeant Jasper Award, given yearly to an individual or organization for their significant contributions to the betterment of life in Jasper County.

Mr. Leslie Wicks, II leaves behind a wife, Dr. Karen Wicks, son Scott (Wanda) Wicks, daughter Lisa (Joe) Droughton, his siblings Stanley Wicks, Robert (Angie) Wicks, Judy (Tom) Kegley, Doris (David) Ruga, Donna (Peter) Sikora, Daniel (Carol) Wicks, David (Gina) Wicks, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and his dog Champ.

He is predeceased by parents Stanley and Olive (Stanton) Wicks, son Leslie Wicks, III, and brother Ralph Wicks.

Mr. Leslie A. Wicks, II was a champion for learning, a friend to everyone and a mentor to many.  His presence will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank his loving caregivers sisters-in-law Joyce Dalton and Rachel Gibson and Amedysis Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 at 3:00pm at the Ridgeland Baptist Church.  Visitation will be from 2:00 - 3:00pm.