It is with great sadness that the family of J. Leroy Herndon announce his passing on November 26, 2022 at his home in Albemarle County, Virginia. A local entrepreneur, farmer and veteran, he is now reunited with his wife of 63 years, Barbara S. Herndon; parents, John and Mary Herndon, brother Lindsay Herndon, sisters Leona Engram and Lillian Hamshar.
He is survived by his daughters Gail Harris {Richard) and Lisa Shifflett {Gary), his sister Etta Collins and brother Floyd Herndon {Courtney). Grandchildren: Eric (Kara) and Brian {Cassandra) Huffman; Amanda Gray (David), Chris (Jessie) and Stacie (Daniel) Shifflett, as well as eleven great-grandchildren which he adored. He is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
From age 10, when he began repairing watches for neighbors until age 86 when he partially retired from his wholesale auto supply company, Leroy enjoyed a long, varied and successful working career focused around his lifelong mechanical aptitude. In the 75 years he worked, he co-owned a cattle farm and the IGA in Scottsville circa 1965 to 1975 with his brother Lindsay. He was owner/operator of several Esso/ Exxon stations in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. He served as president of the Virginia Gasoline Retailer's Association and in that position lobbied the United States Congress on behalf of the industry.
Despite his long working career, Leroy knew how to enjoy life, there was nothing he liked better than an interesting conversation with a good friend or striking up a conversation with someone he just met. He
enjoyed touring the country and traveling abroad with Barbara and spent happy hours socializing at the
Elk's Club; bowling at Mountain Bowl or Terrace Bowl and golfing at Lake Monticello and Greene Hills Country Club and thoroughly enjoyed a recently discovered love of birdwatching.
The family will receive friends on Thursday December 1, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church 4422 Antioch Road Scottsville, VA 24590, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Vogt presiding. Interment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17