Leonard D. Spratley Sr.

Leonard Demetrius Spratley was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania  on August 3^rd, 1949, to the late Edward and Susie Spratley. He was the oldest of seven children, Pamela, William, Martha, Creswell, Janice, Terry, and Jean, whom the  Spratley’s raised as her own. 

On Tuesday February 6, 2024, Leonard was called home from Labor to Rest.

Leonard received his education in the Philadelphia Public school system and graduated   from the Catto Educational Center. He later finished receiving  a certificate from a reputable broadcasting school.

Leonard was united in marriage to  Ruby A. Justice. Rose, Shahida and Leonard Jr. were born  from this union. Although not biologically his  he considered Dora Justice  to be his first child, he loved her like his own. Leonard and Ruby also raised their granddaughter Precious Justice as their own. He had a love and passion for his wife that started at the age of nineteen.

Leonard  served in the United States Navy as well as the Army  reserve, receiving an Honorable discharge for his service. After the military, Leonard went to work for the City of Philadelphia Library system. He retired from the City of Philadelphia as a Foreman of the Sanitation Department.

Leonard had a passion  for singing, music, radio and acting and he pursued each one with passion. He sang with a group called “The Fabulous Vistas” and it was something he was very proud of. He could write a song with the music you handed to him. He was very well known as “Philly Leonard Spratley” in the radio business, while being voted once for being the top DJ at KMOJ Radio station in Minneapolis MN, he really introduced  a different sound to the radio station.  It was nothing to see him at shows being an emcee in different places. He also had small parts in big screen movies like “Boomerang”, “Distinguished Gentleman”, Witness and a few others. 

Leonard was a person who would try and help anyone who came and needed help. He took great pride in being a Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather,  Brother,  Uncle and Son. 

Leonard was preceded in death by his Parents Edward and Susie Spratley,  His Daughter, Rose Justice, Siblings, Creswell Spratley, Janice Spratley, Pamela Spratley and Terry Spratley.

Leonard leaves to Cherish his memory Wife: Ruby Justice, Children: Shahida Justice, and Leonard Spratley Jr. Grandchildren: Leonard, Jhabarr, Joshua, Shahid, Precious, Keynna and L’nnayh,  Special Granddaughter Imani “Kitten” Spence, Siblings: William Spratley and Martha Spratley, 11 Great Grandchildren, and a host of Nieces, Nephew, Friends, and Neighbors.