Leroy (Lee) Firestone
Donation protected
On July 5th, 2022, our dear friend Leroy “Lee” Firestone was suddenly and tragically taken from us in a senseless workplace accident. Lee leaves behind the love of his life, Annie, who is struggling with multiple health issues herself. In addition to Annie, Lee leaves behind his beloved son, Casey, his loving fur baby, Coco, mother Sherry, sister Jodi, and legions of loving friends and family. This fund is to help Annie with the burden of funeral and memorial costs, which have skyrocketed in recent times.
Lee was born in rural Indiana... a midwestern farm boy. He struggled all his life with dyslexia, but despite this, he taught himself everything he knew and was good at. He was a musician, a mechanic, a handyman, and a sailing enthusiast. He truly loved the water. Lee was known for years in the area as a radio personality, “Lee VanZant,” the gentle giant who was bullied and berated by radio personalities for his dyslexia. While most probably thought this was just “a bit,” it was always hurtful. But, one would never know it because Lee rolled with it and always had a smile on his face.
While working in radio, Lee won the heart of the love of his life, Annie, and they have been inseparable ever since. Together, they made a beautiful life in the Tampa Bay area, including opening an art gallery that bore his name… “The Firestone Gallery.” There, they showcased both of their artwork, most notably Lee’s unique, complex, visionary, eclectic art. Lee and Annie quickly became a much-loved part of the Village of the Arts community in Bradenton, and were known and loved by everyone in the community. Unfortunately, beginning in 2014, Annie started having major medical issues, and was hospitalized often. Always by her side, Lee balanced long, grueling work days at Waste Pro, taking care of Annie and sitting in a hospital chair for hours.
On July 5, 2022, Lee was working on one of the garbage truck’s hydraulic system when the fatal accident occurred. Please see the attached news accounts. Your contributions will help Annie with the costs of funeral and memorial expenses, as well as help her with her daily expenses until she is able to manage them.
Please click on these links for more information on the tragic event:
Organizer
Tony Mark
Organizer
Conway, SC