With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Leroy Burgess, Sr., 93, of Kingstree, SC, a retired educator and former Magistrate, Army Veteran and widower of the late Patsy Barr Burgess, who passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Life Reflections

Leroy Burgess, Sr. was born on April 21, 1931, in Kingstree, South Carolina, to the late Mr. James and Lillian Burgess. He departed this life on June 15, 2024, leaving a legacy of dedication, service and love.

Leroy graduated from Tomlinson High School in 1953 and pursued higher education at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture with a minor in Science and later completed a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from the same University. Leroy devoted 22 years as an Agriculture educator in the Williamsburg County School District.  He then transitioned into school administration, serving as the assistant principal of Battery Park High School until his retirement in 1990. Additionally, Leroy was a Williamsburg County Magistrate for 28 years, retiring in 2003. He was an active member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity for over 60 years and dedicated over three decades as a Future Farmers of America advisor, mentoring many students and teaching welding and carpentry. Leroy also served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, exemplifying courage and patriotism.

A pillar of his community, Leroy was involved in various organizations including the South Carolina Agriculture Teacher Association, National Agriculture Association, South Carolina Magistrate Association, South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association, and the Negro Future Farmers of America. He was a founding member of Wilson Chapel Missionary First Baptist Church, where her served as the head deacon for over 50 years, demonstrating his deep faith and commitment to his church community.

Leroy and Patsy met at South Carolina State University, fell in love, and married on June 2, 1957. To this union they were blessed with three children: Leroy Burgess Jr. (Rosailyn) of Kingstree, S. Dr. Kenneth Leon Burgess, Sr. (Theresa-deceased) of Kingstree, SC, Lillian Lynelle Burgess Thomas (deceased) of Kapolei, HI. His eight grandchildren include, Lakasha Carrington (Gary), Shrita Burgess, Leroy Burgess III, Henry Burgess, Kentreasea Burgess, Kenneth Burgess, Jr, Celester Thomas Jr, and C'Bodrick Thomas. He also leaves nine behind great grandchildren, Lauren Rogers, Jaden Rogers, Ethan Rogers, Keilyn Burgess, Kylar Burgess, Kyler Burgess, Karter Burgess, Tremon Burgess, and Trenton Burgess, and two great-great grandchildren, Ty'Ayla Singleton and Kiora Rogers.

Leroy is survived by his sons, Leroy Burgess, Jr. (Rosailyn) and Dr. Kenneth Leon Burgess, Sr.; one son-in-law, Celester Thomas, Sr. of Kapolei, HI; his sister, Dorothy Felder of Jamaica Queens, NY; his brother, Rainey Burgess (Daisy) of Lane, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded by his wife, Patsy Nell Burgess; a daughter, Lillian Lynelle Thomas; daughter-in-law, Theresa Burgess; and siblings, James Linburg Burgess, Juanita Wright, Harold Burgess and Louis Burgess; and one sister-in-law, Loretta Burgess.

The family will receive friends and family beginning Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 5pm to 8pm, daily , at 1489 I. M. Graham Road, Kingstree, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292 .