William Leroy Harris, lovingly known as Leroy, entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by the comfort of his home in Chester.  He was born on April 25, 1937, to the late Edgar Harris and Beatrice Trent Harris. The youngest of four children, Leroy was preceded in death by his brother, James Edgar Harris; his sisters, Rosa Harris Jones and Reva Harris Price; and his beloved nephew, Crenshaw Jones, who was more like a son to him.

Leroy graduated from Carver High School Class of 1955 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  After completing his military service, he worked for the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company and later spent 23 dedicated years at Gravure Packaging, where he retired after a career marked by hard work, reliability, and pride in providing for his family.

A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Leroy lived a life with humility, integrity, and love.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found the greatest joy in his family. He was a lifelong member of Union Grove Baptist Church in South Chesterfield, where he faithfully served in the Usher Ministry and the Building Committee. His dedication to his church reflected his commitment to God and to serving others.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 67 years and loving caregiver, Blanche Bailey Harris, whose care and love sustained him; his daughters, Theresa D. Saunders and husband Dave and Terri D. Whitmore and husband Tyler; and his sons, Lawrence "Greg" Harris, Darrell M. Harris and wife Linda, Michael L. Harris and wife Karen, Gary L. Harris, and William "Jeff" Harris.  He was a proud grandfather to Keith Banks, Jr., Jackie Kincaid, Dominic Tolbert, Diane Harris, Jarell Minter, Aaron Minter, Corey Winfield, Brandon Winfield, Brian Winfield, DeJon Harris, Rayshon Harris, Juwan Harris, Nicole Collins, and Tyrell Harris; and a loving great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren.  Among them were three especially devoted great-grandchildren, Laniah Minter, Morris Deion Minter, and Jordan Minter and their mother, Brandy Malick.

He is also remembered with love by his nieces, Cassandra Coleman, Beatrice Claiborne, and Dr. Rosalie Harris; his nephew, James E. Harris, Jr., his brother-in-law, Joe T. Bailey; his loyal neighbors and friends, Toni and Rico Patterson; and a host of other relatives and friends whose lives he touched.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to David and Gail Brower and the Henry DeBose family for their compassion, care, and unwavering support.

Leroy will be remembered for his gentle spirit, steady presence, and the love he showed through his actions rather than words. His life was a testament to faith, family, and service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Union Grove Baptist Church, 19111 Church Road, South Chesterfield, VA, the Rev. Dr. William E. Johnson III, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5705434?fl=so&fe=fs