Leonard W. Gilchrist

Leonard Wilbert Gilchrist was born April 17, 1943, to the late Percell Gilchrist and Thelma Howell Gilchrist in Hampton, VA.

His education began in Surry County Public Schools and continued in Hampton and Newport News, VA. His spiritual pilgrimage began at an early age in Surry County, where he attended church with his favorite mentor, Grandpa Shepherd Howell (Cora). This pilgrimage continued at St. Timothy Church of Christ Holiness, USA, with his father, Percell (Louise) Gilchrist, where he served on the ministerial staff as Elder Gilchrist.
He married Eunice Bass of Hampton, VA. on August 20, 1966, and after one year relocated to Harrisonburg, VA., where he attended
and graduated from Washington Bible College with a B.S. Degree. Desiring to continue the ministry, he relocated to Harrisburg, VA,
and graduated from Eastern Menamite Seminary, having earned the Master of Divinity degree. He then accepted the call to pastor Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, followed by a final ministerial call to First Union Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. He was affectionately known as "Cannon Ball Freight Train" because of his many years and love of truck driving. He is survived by: his wife, Eunice Gilchrist; three daughters, LaJune Davidson, Lenise Rhone, and Linda Broaddus (Jason); ten grandchildren, LaTasha and Tony Fountain, Mikala and Mickia Farrar, Andre III, Madison and
Jaden Davis, Shayne Gilchrist, and Myli and Miori Brown; and one

great-grandson, Brayden Fountain. A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Saint Paul's Holiness Church Cemetery Surry County, VA at 1:00PM.