Leroy Starks

Leroy Starks

"The Voice, The Vibe, The Legend"

Sunrise: [August 8, 1952] – Sunset: [April 24, 2025]

  Born in Birmingham Alabama to Arwilda and Hiawatha Starks Sr., Leroy Starks, a man whose voice could calm a storm and whose smile could light up a city block, departed this world in the same smooth, soulful way he lived in it. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Leroy passed peacefully, surrounded by love, music, and probably someone asking him, “Leroy, you good?”—to which he surely replied, “Always, baby.”

  Leroy wasn’t just any man. He loved without conditions, sang like his life depended on it, and had a pair of dimples that could cause traffic jams. His peaceful tone and those twinkling eyes made you feel like the only person in the room—{ maybe because he couldn't see that well too} unless he was singing, in which case you knew you were witnessing something holy.

  He and his predeceased brother-in-law, Albert D. Lewis, were members of the vocal group Splendid Blend, Jody’s Chosen Few, as well as The Composers. Leroy could hold a note longer than some people hold grudges, and boy do they hold grudges, And when he sang, it wasn’t just music—it was ministry, therapy, and soul food all in one. He was a man of many talents, but music was his heartbeat, his sanctuary, and probably the reason a few folks caught feelings over the years.

  He had roles in the Buddy Holly play and sang backup and recorded 2 albums with Kenny LaBelle and the Silent Partner Project

  He is survived by the incomparable Irene Emily Starks, his beautiful and talented wife of 48 years—a woman who kept him on his toes and in line, all while loving him with every fiber of her being (and maybe a few extra). Together, they were a duet for the ages like Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terell, or Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, like Ike and Tina…. well maybe not them two but you get my point —sometimes in harmony, sometimes with a bit of a remix—but always, always in love.

  Leroy’s legacy lives on in his children: Leronnia Jackson, Sean Edwards, Jaysaun Beamon, Shalin Starks, daughter in law Bexie Starks, Shay Starks-Edwards, Christopher Starks, Shane Starks, Shakinah Starks, and Angela Edwards. He now reunites in song and spirit with his beloved, late son Camry Starks.

  He also leaves behind his cherished siblings Albert L. Starks (Annie) Ezzard C. Starks Sr., and Patricia Starks-Lewis who can also sing her heart out;  He joins in eternal rest his parents Arwilda and Hiawatha Starks Sr. along with his predeceased brothers MacArthur Starks Sr., General Cleveland Starks, and Hiawatha Starks Jr. and brother in law, best friend Albert D. Lewis

  A proud patriarch, Leroy is also survived by 20 grandchildren (each of whom swears they’re his favorite), but seriously we all knew who his favorite is.... Let that sink in. 10 great-grandchildren, a host of loving nieces and nephews, and his spirited sisters-in-law: Kirsten, Maxine, and Andrea Edwards—women who surely knew how to keep Leroy sharp, on his toes and maybe occasionally in trouble.

  To know Leroy was to know joy, warmth, and just a little bit of mischief wrapped in charm. Whether he was humming while watching the game, cracking dad jokes that made you snort-laugh, or holding your hand through hard times, Leroy made this world better with his presence.

  He didn’t just walk into a room—he entered it, like a smooth chord progression or the first sip of sweet tea on a summer day, or in his case a shot or two of E&J.  His legacy is stitched into every melody he ever sang and every heart he ever touched.

Rest well, Leroy. Heaven just got itself a headliner.

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