Family Dollar founder and NC philanthropist Leon Levine dies

CHARLOTTE — Family Dollar Store founder and North Carolina philanthropist Leon Levine died Wednesday, according to Channel 9’s partners at the Charlotte Observer. He was 85.

Levine, who shared his fortune with health care, education and community causes in Charlotte, funded North Carolina’s biggest scholarship programs. Levine has helped a number of other organizations.

Levine opened the first Family Dollar Store on Charlotte’s Central Avenue in 1959. The Leon Levine Foundation has granted more than $450 million to various causes.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.