Promoted to Glory: Leroy James Justice

Leroy James Justice, age seven, of Richmond, KY, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, after sharing Thanksgiving Day surrounded by his family.

Leroy, the son of Captains Kevin and Wendy Justice, was born in Boyle County on December 27, 2017. Known as a smart and resilient child, he graduated from Madison Kindergarten Academy and was a second-grade student at White Hall Elementary School. His favorite sport was T-ball, and he enjoyed playing with the Richmond Little League.

Whether at church or driving down the road with his family, Leroy’s joy-filled love for singing was evident. Even on hard days, he could be heard “jamming out” to Forrest Frank’s song “Good Day.” And, like many boys with big dreams, he often talked about serving on a SWAT team like his idol, Shamar Moore, or with the FBI one day.

After an abrupt diagnosis of DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) in June 2025, the entire Salvation Army Southern Territory joined together to lift Leroy up in prayer. Even with his diagnosis, he was able to have some wonderful moments and memories with his family as they experienced new adventures together. On August 9, 2025, he was enrolled as a junior soldier by Territorial Leaders Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart and was prayed over by General Lyndon Buckingham, the international leader of The Salvation Army.

As his family travelled home from Thanksgiving, little Leroy was taken up into his Savior’s loving arms. His father, Captain Kevin, recounts that as they followed the ambulance through a town they had never before been to, every stoplight was blocked by a city, state, or county police officer standing beside their car at attention, honoring Leroy and his dreams during his final journey.

In addition to his parents, Leroy is survived by his brothers Robert Ernest, Lucas Charles, and Jaiclee Edward, and his stepsiblings Denasia Denny, Jasmine Wright, and Jaleel Harris. He also leaves behind many extended family members whom he cherished dearly and loved him deeply in return.