Leroy was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri and moved to The Yakima Valley in Washington state at the age of 3.  He attended high school in Grandview, Washington and received his Ph.D. in Theology at The School of Bible Theology in Hemet, California.

Leroy is an accomplished musician who excels with his unique style of presentation on the guitar and piano playing during his concerts.

As a singer, classic to country, he has made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, North American Christian Convention, and numerous other conventions throughout the U.S. Leroy is a yearly performer at the Rendezvous in the Kiamichi mountains in Oklahoma. Leroy was lead singer with the Christian Troubadours Quartet for three years. His first of many recordings was made in 1959. His last release of CDs and videos was in 2008 and are now available

In the early 60's Leroy signed his first publishing contract with Albert E. Brumely. At that time, Mr. Brumley spoke these words, "Leroy, someday you will become a nationally known song writer". Those prophetic words have come to pass; one of Leroy's compositions was in the top five nominations for the American Music Awards. Several of his songs have been recorded by top recording artists. His publisher is now Higgins Music at Nashville, TN, and is affiliated by BMI, who is also out of Nashville. Leroy was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Christian Country Music Award (CCMA) 2004 in the Ryman auditorium in Nashville, TN.

As a speaker he is humorous, personable, understandable, and brief. One minister states "He is anointed and called of God, never preaches discouragement, and his messages are always uplifting, truly a preacher for minister and laymen." Leroy speaks to small and large audiences, schools, prisons, and camp meetings.

Joanna and Leroy have been married for 54 years.  Twelve of those years were spent in an established ministry in the capacity of a pastor.  43 years have been spent in full-time Evangelism, traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada and overseas.  He now has missionary outreaches in Bolivia, The Phillipines, Old Mexico and Romania