Leonard Alton Paris, Sr.

PARIS, Leonard A., Esquire, 85, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2017 in Richmond, Va. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; a son, Len "Bubba" Paris; and a granddaughter, Paris Bennett. He was born in Lynchburg, Va., January 24, 1932 to parents John and Isabelle Paris, who, along with his sister Anne Paris, and a daughter Laura Ann Paris Bennett, preceded him in death. After graduating from Benedictine College Preparatory, Leonard served in the United States Army from 1952-1955. He graduated from The University of Richmond (B.A.) in 1958 and again from U. of R. Law School (J.D.) in 1962. That same year, he was admitted to the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. He was Delta Theta Phi-Member and Chancellor of McNeill Law Society and commissioner in Chancery, Chesterfield County in 1968. He was a member of the Richmond, Chesterfield (President 1969-1970), Virginia and American Bar Associations, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and a former substitute judge in The Chesterfield General District Court. Leonard most recently practiced at Paris Blank, LLP, specializing in Trials, Personal Injury, Civil Law, Construction Litigation and Domestic Relations. A Graveside Service with military honors will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Westhampton Memorial & Cremation Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23238. In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution in Laura Ann's memory to Lupus Research Alliance, 275 Madison Avenue, 10th floor, New York, N.Y. 10016, or www.lupusresearch.org.