Leroy Manuel Pleasants, age 83, of Chesapeake, Virginia, died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at his home in Chesapeake.

He was born April 9, 1928 in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of the late Edwin F. Pleasants and Della W. Pleasants Hodges.

He served in the 8th Army 11th Airborne Division from 1946 until 1948, Airborne all the way.

He retired from Cavalier Ford after 51 years of service.

He was the most loving husband, daddy, and son ever, and will always and forever be loved and sincerely missed, but never forgotten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving son, David Rodney Pleasants, and sisters, Elma P. Blake and Gertrude E. Pleasants.

Surviving is his loving wife of 61 years, Mildred "Sugar" Marie Hyler Pleasants; his son, Ronald Keith Pleasants; a sister, Lois H. Bodner of Florida; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, including a special nephew, Edward Blake; and his special friends and caregivers at Compassionate Care Hospice.

A funeral service was held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Sharon Baptist Church, Clifton Forge with Reverend Ed Wold officiating. Interment followed in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. The family received friends on Sunday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 P.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.