Sylvester Leftwich, age 73, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of integrity, hard work, and deep devotion to his family. 

A man of quiet strength and absolute reliability, Sylvester was the steady anchor for those he loved, commanding respect through his actions, his lifelong work ethic, and his unwavering commitment to his roots.

Sylvester’s life was built on strong foundations and resilience. Though he experienced the loss of his father, George, at a young age, his mother, Annie, later remarried June, building a lively and loving household where Sylvester grew up alongside his eight brothers and sisters. It was within this large family that he learned early on the enduring values of community, loyalty, and connection.

He carried that focused mindset to Marshall University, proudly graduating and channeling his sharp intellect into a distinguished 47-year career as an accountant and auditor. He split his decades of dedicated service between Union Carbide/Dow Chemical and the State of West Virginia, earning a reputation as a man of absolute precision who always valued a job well done.

While he took great pride in his professional life, Sylvester’s greatest partnership and true joy was the life he built with his beloved wife, Evalene. Together, they shared a foundation of deep love and devotion. He was a fiercely proud and supportive father to his four children: Marlon, Jermaine, Janelle, and Rodney. His legacy of guidance, strength, and love continues to shine brightly through his three cherished grandchildren: Trinity, Roman, and Ansley.

Outside of his career and family, Sylvester possessed a lifelong passion for sports, particularly football and basketball. He spent countless hours analyzing the strategy of the game, but above all, he was a fiercely loyal Detroit Lions fan. True to the spirit of the franchise, he was a beautifully realistic, slightly pessimistic supporter—deeply invested in every game, even when he was entirely convinced they would find a way to test his patience in the final minutes.

Sylvester was steady, reliable, and uniquely himself. His consistency, sharp wit, and quiet presence will be profoundly missed by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his large circle of siblings, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Annie; stepfather, James Ford; and sisters, George Ann and Marion Leftwich.

A service to honor and celebrate Sylvester's life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV; with services officiated by Rev. Audie Murphy. Burial to follow in Boone Memorial Park in Madison, WV. 

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.