Leland Edward

Depriest

Leland "Big Lee, B Boy" Edward DePriest, of Richmond, passed away May 13, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by a room full of friends and family, bringing people together and making them laugh until the very end.

Born on July 23, 1987, Leland was larger than life right from the start, entering the world at a whopping 15-plus pounds. While he grew to be a man of imposing size and strength, he was always a gentle giant at heart, known for his easy smile and tender spirit. Everything about him was grand—from his stature to his heart, to his sense of humor. He never met a stranger, let alone an enemy (unless they happened to be on the opposing team).

A standout athlete at Henrico High School (Class of 2005), Leland excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He took his passion for the game to the collegiate level, playing football for both Winston-Salem State University and Virginia State University. Throughout his adult life, he was defined by his unwavering positivity, strong work ethic and dedication. He remained an avid sports fan, fiercely cheering on his Washington Commanders, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Bulls.

Despite being dealt a difficult hand, Leland always remained positive. He fought through immense pain with quiet strength, never seeking pity and always putting others first. Even in his final days, he was the one encouraging and comforting those around him. In this difficult time, he would remind us all to simply "ride the wave" and hug those around us a little tighter.

Above all else, Leland was a devoted dad. He loved his son, Leo, fiercely, embracing the role of fatherhood with an unmatched dedication and joy.

Leland was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leroy E. DePriest Sr. and his aunt, Cheryl White (Fweet).

Left to honor and cherish his memory are his beloved son, Leonidas (Leo) DePriest (mother, De'Shanda Harris); parents, Leroy "Sleep" DePriest, Jr. and Ruby White DePriest; stepmother, Andrea Claiborne DePriest; three brothers, Jalen DePriest, Jace DePriest and Justin "JT" DePriest; grandmothers, Mary Anne White, Mary DePriest and Margie Claiborne; uncle, Jan White (Belita); godparents, John Taylor III, Carolyn Campbell and James "Pooh" Jackson Jr.; two nieces, Sloan White and Londyn White; devoted cousin who was like a brother, Marcus White (Stacey), two other devoted cousins, Lauren Walden and Monique Brown, a host of steadfast friends who were like brothers to him, including Wilbert Thacker, Teon Williams, Ricky "Fatman" Jackson, Terrell Thompson, Raymond Thompson, Corey Thomas, Scott "EZ" Jones, Justin "Concrete" Shelton, Rico (Putt) Banks, Phillip Jordan, Darrell (Darby) Price and many others too numerous to name.

Leland's presence, laughter, strength and love will be deeply missed, but his spirit and memory will live on forever.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.