Leonard Austin Kirby was born to Lee Olean and Willie Mae Kirby on August 10, 1952.  He departed this life November 11, 2017.  He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools and worked as a laborer for Hairston Construction Company, Forsyth County, and Szaebo Food Services.  Leonard was a multi-talented man.  Like his father, Leonard was a member of a band.  He could draw accurately, capturing images.

Leonard's loves were his mother, the Dallas Cowboys, and Meme's potato salad.

Mr. Kirby was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, Jerry Henry and Vincent Kirby; and his brother-in-law, Sam Williamson.

He leaves to cherish his memories two children, Sibyl Alexis Nesmith and Darold LaVon Rice; his devoted mother, Willie Mae Henry Kirby; seven grandchildren, Tyshawn Scott, Daniel Ried, Chris, Destiny, and Darold Rice, Jr., Zariyah McFayden, and Alexaundria Rice; three great-grandchildren, AJ Rice, Mason Rice, and Peyton Marie Rice; sisters, Shirley Williamson, Nikki (Wayne) Cross, Veronica (Ronnie) Dixon, and Leronada Kirby; two brothers, Lee Olean (Sabrina) Kirby and Michael Kirby; sisters-in-law, Sharon Henry and Margaretta Kirby; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, November 17, 2017 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jasper Hemphill officiating and Reverend Tyrone Fair eulogist.  The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Chapel.