Deacon LeRoy Quarles , 87, of Louisa, died Friday, April 22, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his family.

His journey begins:

When Leroy was born on April 25, 1928, a plan was laid for his life. His deceased parents, Ned and Mary Louise Quarles began their lives as a young family. However, God needed Mary Louise and shortly after the birth of their daughter Juanita, Leroy's beloved sister, Mary was called home to Glory. Because he was a praying man, Ned was blessed to meet and marry Mary Ruth Wilkerson and she became Mama to Leroy and Juanita.

During his travels:

Leroy had a zest for life and was strong willed. He often followed his own paths created through his desires to take advantage of the many opportunities available to a young man. He entered the Air Force and remained there for nine years. He enrolled in college for a time and worked for the University of Virginia hospital for a few years. These feats don't seem like anything out of the ordinary but he did all this without the benefit of a high school diploma. When his children heard this story, they were certain that anything can be attained if you set your mind to it. When he was accepted as a deputy sheriff with the Louisa County Sheriff's Department, he obtained his GED and continued on with the classes necessary to his new career. He remained with the department until his retirement many years later.

Stops along the way:

Leroy had a talent for grooming show horses and worked for various show horse owners during his lifetime. He was successful at Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, GA, Cismont Manor Farm in Keswick, Meadow Bluff Farm in Free Union, and Foxfield Farm. Not one to stay still, Leroy kept busy assisting in funeral service at the original Thomasson Funeral Home and later the Thomasson Watson Funeral Service, Inc. under new management. He was a loyal and dependable funeral specialist. He also managed to secure a position as an attendant with Louisa Recycling and remained there until the age of 85. During this time, he began to visit the Betty Queen Center daily and became part of the APA pool league there. Being the oldest player there, he enjoyed showing off his skills and made many dear friends who supported him greatly during his illness.

Successes during his journey:

Leroy was a lifelong and dedicated member of Pleasant Plain Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the deacons. His ordination was one of his proudest moments and perhaps one of his greatest achievements because it changed his life. Working closely with then pastor Rev. Marvin Jackson, Leroy used his role to learn as well as teach others about the goodness of the Lord.

As a young adult, he met and married Nancy Scott. Even though the union did not last, the success of it was measured with the birth of his eldest child, Beverly Ann. Beverly's sister, Zenovia, became his daughter too, and a bond was formed that lasted until Leroy's death.

Leroy continued his quest for the mate of a lifetime and he found that in Sophia Simms. They celebrated 59 years of marriage and were blessed with six children. His love and legacy will always be cherished by his wife, his children and their spouses: Beverly Ann Quarles-Colbert, Zenovia Quarles, Leroy Carrington and Jane, Gayle Darcelle and Michael, Lori Michelle and Thomas, Sr., Mark Wayne, Hope Elizabeth and Charles, and his baby boy, Shawn Maurice. He treasured his relationships with his 18 grandchildren and openly thanked God for them. God's favor was upon Leroy's life and he felt it everyday. His joys in life were enhanced by the love and devotion of his much adored sister, Juanita. "Sis" was always a part of his thoughts and his daily prayers. They shared an unconditional love. He cherished her and gave the Lord thanks for her.

Leroy's love was far reaching. His great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, brother-in-law Hyland, nieces,nephews, grand daughter-in-law, and extended family members were a blessing to his life. His friends were many and each one held a special place in his heart.

His journey ends:

Friday morning, April 22, 2016, Leroy's family gathered by his bedside. They waited, cried and prayed. At 8:30, God's angel touched him, ending his 87 year walk on this earth. His peaceful and quiet departure was just the way he endured his illness. His faith was sufficient to keep him.

Time with friends:

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 6-8 pm in The Sun Chapel at D. D. Watson, Louisa.

Celebration Services:

A Life Celebration Service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 at Pleasant Plain Baptist Church, 675 Lindsay Road, Gordonsville, Virginia 22942. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.