Lester Frederick Valyer Jr., age 73, of Mocksville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on
August 12, 2026, at the Salisbury VA Medical Center.

Born on May 26, 1953, Les was the beloved son of the late Lester Frederick Valyer Sr. and
Lillian (Desourdy) Valyer. He maintained a deep connection to his roots in Gansevoort, New
York, where he grew up learning the value of hard work, a quality that never failed to earn the
admiration of every employer he served. In his youth, he committed himself to his local
community as a volunteer firefighter. His early passions included hunting, fishing, and
snowmobiling. While in high school, he developed skills as a tractor mechanic, establishing a
strong foundation that served him throughout his military career.

At age 19, Les enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a military journey that took him
around the globe. Les began his military career in New Mexico, where one of his first jobs was
transporting important documents to the governor and driving astronauts around. Among his
favorite duty stations were Arizona, Hawaii, Japan, Jamestown (NY), Maine, and Iceland. He
held a special affection for Iceland, viewing it as a natural wonderland; he spent his weekends
driving up volcanoes, trekking across lava fields, camping in sheep pastures, and fishing some
of the finest trout streams in the world. It was also during his time in Iceland that he welcomed
his son, Greg, adding immeasurably to his joy.

During his Arizona assignment, Les spent off-hours tinkering with vintage vehicles at a local
salvage yard—restoring a 1955 Ford—and welcomed his daughter, Brandy, who instantly had
him wrapped around her finger. Later, his assignment aboard the USS Midway in Japan saw
him deployed on voyages ranging from the Persian Gulf to Australia; his time at sea provided
memories of passing through a typhoon, experiencing a volcanic eruption that showered the
deck with ash, and having Greg join him onboard for a Tiger Cruise.

Following his sea duty, Les served as a Navy recruiter in Jamestown, New York, earning
numerous Top Recruiter of the Year awards and profoundly impacting countless young lives.
While serving in Jamestown, he met his late wife Suzanne, welcomed her children, Andrea,
Jerad, and Pamela, into his family, and they made a home in Ellington, New York.

A devoted patriot, Les retired in 1994 as a Chief Petty Officer after a distinguished 23-year
career encompassing 19 years, 11 months, and 16 days of honorable active service. Les earned
multiple commendations for his leadership and dedication to naval service, including the
Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star for his service in Desert Storm. An avid hunter,
he was never shy about mentioning his Navy sharpshooter marksmanship ribbon. A Navy man
through and through, he wore his retired veteran status quite literally, never leaving home
without one of his many Navy hats. He spoke of his service with immense pride and often joked
about reenlisting, even long past his prime.

In 1999, Les and Sue relocated to Mocksville, North Carolina, and settled into civilian life
working for Hatch Early Learning until retirement. They soon established a small farm, filled with
horses, chickens, and goats. He loved fresh blueberries and enjoyed growing and sharing his
own. Though he might occasionally grumble about the endless chores, he was most himself in
the barn or pasture. He cherished the opportunity to pass his knowledge down to the next
generations, and hoisting a grandchild behind the wheel of the tractor to learn how to drive was
a highlight of his day.

Les was incapable of sitting still; he was always building, fixing, or creating. A master welder, he
also took up woodturning later in life, crafting beautiful bowls. A loyal Ford owner and avid
motorcycle enthusiast throughout his life, Les rode several Harley-Davidsons before eventually
switching to an Indian. Channeling his passion into purpose, he established “Team Brady” for
the Ride for Kids, raising money and awareness for pediatric brain cancer research. He
embarked on cross-country motorcycle trips, visiting family, and checking off one of every rider’s
bucket list items with a long trek from North Carolina to Sturgis.

Les loved to share his knowledge of the world and places he had seen, always eager to play
tour guide to a random roadside attraction, a far-off waterfall, or up the side of a mountain. Les
also possessed an uncanny knowledge of where to find the absolute best ice cream in any
given area, never turning down a scoop. At his core, Les was a big kid at heart and a natural
entertainer. He took great delight in shocking both kids and adults with one of his favorite
tricks—eating a bug or two. Every home he owned featured a tire swing; whether for his children
or grandchildren, no one escaped a visit without experiencing an ‘underdog’ or two.

Following the loss of his wife of 34 years, Sue, Les found a new chapter of happiness when he
married Valerie Juleson in November 2025. He spent his final year with Valerie, traveling to see

family in New York, camping, fishing, and of course, planting more blueberry bushes in his
community garden.

Above all, Les cherished his family. He was extraordinarily proud of his children and
grandchildren and would not hesitate to brag about them. As much as Les was a master
storyteller, whether you knew him for 5 minutes or 50 years, everyone who met him has their
own Les story.

Les was preceded in death by his father, Lester Valyer Sr.; his mother, Lillian Valyer; his sister,
Lillian O’Hanlon; his stepson, Jerad Davis; and his beloved wife of 34 years, Sue Henry Valyer.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie (Juleson) Valyer of Salisbury, NC; his children, son Gregory
Valyer and wife Amanda, stepdaughter Andrea Davis, daughter Brandy Valyer and husband
Richard Nagunst, and stepdaughter Pamela Davis and partner Adrian Pina; twenty
grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and five sisters: Linda Gifford, Laura Morse, Lorraine
Burton (Bill), Lizbeth Benhart (Mike), Lois Shoots (Mike), Lisa Valyer (Diana Walter);
Sister-in-law Peggy Henry Zionts (Keith); his longtime friend and former wife, Teresa Valyer, as
well as many treasured nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In accordance with his final wishes, he will be cremated and honored with a United States Navy
Burial at Sea from an active aircraft carrier, a fitting final tribute to a true Navy sailor.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life in his hometown of Gansevoort, New York, at a later
date. Further details will be shared as they become

Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Valyer family.  Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.