Founder of Family Dollar and NC philanthropist dies at 85

Leon Levine, the founder of Family Dollar and a key supporter of medical efforts in the Carolinas, died Wednesday. He was 85.

WCNC Charlotte reports Levine founded Family Dollar Stores in 1959 with the first store opening in Charlotte. Although Family Dollar has grown to over 8,000 stores across the country, Levine is most remembered as a philanthropist who donated millions toward advancing Charlotte's medical resources.

According to Atrium Health, Levine is the largest individual donor to the Atrium Health Foundation.

Levine was born in Wadesboro and grew up in Rockingham.