Rock Hill, SC – Leonard “Len” V. Starnes, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, at Wellmore of Tega Cay. Born on July 24, 1930, he was the son of the late Leonard V. Starnes, Sr, and Eula Mae Mobley Starnes.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 2697 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill, SC. Burial will follow in Olivet Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McConnells, SC. Visitation with family and friends will be Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC.
His children called him Dad and Daddy Len but when his grandchildren called him “Granddaddy” his face lit up with pride and joy. He dearly loved each one of them. From opening gifts on Christmas Eve at his and Mama Jane’s house to both flounder and off-shore fishing at Holden Beach, he loved spending time with his family. In the fall and wintertime, Len enjoyed watching Gamecock football games, hunting and cooking delicious deer hash for friends and family to enjoy. When the grandchildren had special events, “Granddaddy and Mama Jane” could always be counted on to be in attendance and after retiring from Celanese Corporation with over 38 years of service, the grandchildren were spoiled even more.
Len loved his country and after completing a paramedic program at the University of Colorado Denver, he proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years followed by an additional ten years in the Air Force Reserves. During his active service, Len received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
On April 10, 1954, Len married the love of his life, Jane Love Starnes, and they spent the next 68 years creating a life together, raising a family and attending Cornerstone United Methodist Church. Len and Jane were faithful members of Cornerstone for 68 years and during those years, he served on various committees but what he loved the most was singing in the choir.
Len was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Love Starnes; brothers, Robert Starnes, Devone Starnes; and sister, Arella Blackburn. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Myers (Ron)of Rock Hill; his sons, Darrell Starnes (Martha Jean), and Johnny Starnes (Elizabeth)both of Rock Hill; his grandchildren, Trisha Shand (Steve), David Myers (Sarah), Kasie Auten (Adam), Kelly Starnes (Kristen), Paige Nader (Jonas), Holly Starnes, Hunter Starnes, and Gracie Starnes; his great-grandchildren Annie Myers, Darsey Myers, Elsie Nader, Leo Nadar, Aria Hall and Wyatt Auten.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornerstone United Methodist Church 2697 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732 or VIA Hospice, 1057 Red Ventures Drive. Suite 150. Fort Mill, SC 29707.
Condolences may be made on line to www.greenefuneralhome.net.