Mr. Leyland K. Julien

Mr. Leyand K. Julien of Tampa, FL, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Church, 8117 N. 13th Street, Tampa, FL 33604 with Bishop Curt L. McKay, Pastor of Abundant Life Worship Center, Officiant/Eulogist. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Leyand K. Julien was born on March 11, 1947, in the beautiful Island of St. George’s, Grenada (West Indies), also known as the Isle of Spice. He was the 3rd of 15 children born to the union of Conrad and Annie Julien Griffith.  He left Grenada as a young man and traveled the world as a merchant marine for 15 years before settling in Florida, where he eventually met and married Laura, with whom he remained until death did them part. He loved boats and water and would captain many yachts before becoming a professional yacht refinisher and detailer, where he would use his woodworking and varnishing skills to bring many battered yachts back to life. One of his customers was a man of influence at the Tampa Tribune newspaper, and he hired him.   He worked for the Tampa Tribune as a lab technician for 20 years before retiring. Too much of a provider, and a social person, he would soon find employment again, including Tampa General Hospital where he “retired” yet again after 5 years, and then Winn Dixie, La Segunda Bakery, Yacht Starship Cruises and Events, and finally back to his beloved Tampa General Hospital, where he worked his last shift as a kitchen assistant, on the night of his death. He lived a life of faith and was a fervent believer in Christ, and he spread the Good News of the Gospel to whoever he met.

He was preceded in death by: both parents, Conrad and Annie Julien Griffith; sister, Merle; and brothers, Dolman, Samuel, and Desmond. 

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 29 years, Laura; sons, Simon Sylvester (of Grenada) and LaRon Edwards Sr.; grandchildren, LaRon Edwards Jr., Kelis Edwards, LaRonnie Edwards, Kehlani Edwards, Josiah Sylvester (of Grenada), and KayRon Edwards; great granddaughter, Ar’mani Edwards; stepchildren, Kiki, Niki, and Chris Williams (of St. Joe); brothers, Edmund Julien (of Trinidad), Dolman Griffith, Solomon Griffith, Coleman Griffith, Peter Griffith, and Lawrence Griffith and their families, of Grenada; sisters, Marie, Marvis, and Roslyn, and their families, all of Grenada; beloved brothers and sisters in love, Gordon, Ray Charles, Melvin, and Robin; Goddaughter, Andrea Woodfolk (Orlando); his dear friends, Pat O’Neal, who was closer than a brother, lifelong friend, Jean Lucas; his stepchildren’s mother, Mamie Wiliams; He was a proud and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews, most of whom he considered his children also; and many others that are too numerous to name.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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