Leonard E. Starr III

1944 - 2021

STARR, Leonard E., III, 76, died peacefully among family at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday, January 29, 2021. He suffered from rapidly progressive Lou Gehrig's disease (A.L.S.) for over a year although only recently diagnosed. He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard Edward Starr Jr. and Doris Alexander Starr. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Shirley Texter Starr; his two brothers, Richard Alexander Starr and wife, Cheroyl Myers Starr and Robert Chamberlain Starr; Leonard's two sons, Mathew Brandon Starr (38) and David Christopher Starr (35); and his grandchildren, James Edward Starr (11), Elliott Mathew Starr (8) and Robert William Starr (6).

Leonard was born in September, 1944, while Leonard E. Starr Jr. fought in France during World War II. Growing up in Sandston, the Starr family had several different residences including homes on Huntsman Rd., Gay Ave., Jackson Ave. and Early Ave. Leonard attended Highland Springs High School, graduating in the class of '62. Post high school, he took up business administration studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) followed by Law School at the College of William and Mary, graduating in 1971. While attending Virginia Tech in 1968, Leonard joined the United States Army Reserve Corps and Virginia Army National Guard serving in "Military Intelligence" until 1974. After completing his law degree, Leonard worked for and ultimately became a partner at law firm Taylor, Hazen, Bryant, & Kauffman located in Richmond. In 1979, Leonard began practicing law in Sandston where he partnered with Claude C. Farmer Jr., forming the firm "Farmer and Starr." He was instrumental in hiring Audrey D. Holmes who went on to join the firm as a partner making it "Farmer, Starr, and Holmes." Leonard was considered an expert and a leader in the field of Bankruptcy and was well respected by his peers. He was a founding member of The Bankruptcy Counsel Bar Section of The Richmond Bar Association and was instrumental in its creation. He served as the first chairman of the newly created counsel and in that capacity served on the Executive Board of the Richmond Bar Association. Leonard enjoyed practicing law and using his talents to help those in need. On February 5, 2021, Leonard will have been a member of the Virginia State Bar for 50 years.

Leonard was an active and involved member in the community. He was a member of the Providence Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad from 1977 to 1985, where he served as an EMT instructor, IV technician and vehicle extrication instructor. He was in his 43rd year as a member of the Sandston Rotary Club where, just as his father, he earned distinction as a "Paul Harris Fellow." He was a member of Kentwood Heights Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and helped navigate business affairs for over 35 years. He enjoyed fellowshipping with other members and took great pride in helping whenever called upon. His faith in Jesus Christ was evident in all who knew him.

Leonard's hobbies included: photography, riding his motorcycle, camping, canoeing, splitting wood, sitting by a fire and enjoying God's creation.

Although Leonard had many professional accomplishments, he made his family a priority and it was evident in all that he did. He was present for every family event and he ensured his family knew they were the most important thing in his life. He was a blessing to all that new him. His family, friends and community have suffered a tremendous loss.

The family will receive visitors at Sandston Baptist Church from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, directly followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Washington Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kentwood Heights Baptist Church, 2607 New Kent Hwy., Quinton, Va. 23141 or to The ALS Association, P.O. Box 37022, Boone, Iowa 50037-0022.