Leroy Edward Cyrus

Born in St. Albans and raised in Institute, Leroy Edward Cyrus, 78, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, August 30, at Charleston Area Medical Center following a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha and Clifford Cyrus, and his sister, Griselda Phillips.

After graduating from Dunbar High School, Eddie joined the U.S. Army, where he proudly served for three years as a general’s assistant at the Pentagon. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began working as a clerk at Union Carbide.

When given the opportunity to enter a draftsman apprenticeship, Eddie accepted the challenge and excelled. His dedication and talent ultimately earned him a position on the structural design team responsible for construction projects at Union Carbide’s South Charleston plant.

Eddie was passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others. He became a drafting instructor at Ben Franklin Career Center, where he passed his expertise on to generations of students. Before retiring, Eddie transitioned with the company to Dow Chemical, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a scientist. He was given the opportunity to work in Dow’s laboratory, where he analyzed field and water samples.

Later in life, Eddie’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire for higher education led him to enroll at West Virginia State College, where he earned his degree. He also established and successfully operated his own lawn care business.

Outside of work, Eddie enjoyed spending time with friends, watching sports, caring for stray cats, watching music videos from the 1960s and 1970s, fishing, and gardening. His love of fishing and gardening led to special achievements, including accreditation as a Bassmaster and recognition as a Master Gardener.

Eddie is survived by his sister, Bonita; his children, Crystalle Williams (Kenny), Jay Cyrus, Lacaya Cyrus, and Michael Porter (Toniya); his 10 grandchildren; and his former wife, Janice Cyrus. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, determination, service, education, and a willingness to share his knowledge with others.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the dedicated staff at CAMC Memorial Hospital for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Eddie and his family during his illness.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial with Military honors will follow at Grandview Memorial, Dunbar, where he will be laid to rest beside his late father.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.