Leroy Douglas Sr.

Leroy Douglas Sr. age 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, October 30, 2025. Leroy was born March 21, 1935, the son of Atlee Douglas Dease and Anthony Dease in Bennettsville, SC. Leroy was raised on a farm with his grandparents, Ma Vance and granddaddy Ernest where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of family.

Leroy attended school in Marlboro County, SC and worked for Quick funeral home as a youth. As a teenager, Leroy worked on his farm that he inherited from his parents. He farmed and worked to provide for himself and his grandparents. He would sell home-grown vegetables. As a young man, Leroy was known around the Bennettsville, SC. Growing up with a village community family, he connected and grew a special bond with his lifelong brothers-in-law, Walter and Ervin, “The Gibson Brothers.” They were the three amigos. During baseball games the three amigos would drive their droptop Convertibles to Jamestown, NC. It was there that he met one of the Cole sisters.

Leroy relocated and made Jamestown his home and married the love of his life, Shirley Cole Douglas. They shared 70 years of faith, family and an unwavering commitment to each other through all of life’s joys and sorrows.

He gained employment with Flowers Bakery Company where he dedicated himself there for over 60 years and retired in December 2014. He held several positions as a managing supervisor. He continued his love of farming with his father-in-law, Booker T. Cole. He also helped establish a business with his brother Walter formerly known as the ‘The Electric Eye.”

Leroy will be fondly remembered by Turners Chapel AME Church. His 50 years of service where he was dedicated as the finance secretary, president of the senior choir, male chorus, stewardship committee, male missionary committee and Missionary bread project. God used Leroy to assist his church to financial stability and building expansion.

Leroy was preceded in death by two sons, Leroy Douglas Jr. and Michael Douglas. his parents, Atlee Douglas Dease and Anthony Dease; one brother, Gordon Dease; his grandmother who raised him, Lelia Vance Douglas; his grandfather, Ernest Douglas and in-laws Phyllis and Jimmy Smith.

Leroy is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 70 years, Mrs. Shirley Cole Douglas; one son, Mickey Douglas; one sister, Eleanor Massey of Baltimore, MD, one brother, Anthony Dease of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren Amekia, Natasha, Antonio (Ciara), and Charity; nine great grandchildren, and his much more than a great granddaughter “his baby,” Mackenzie Thomas whom he loved and helped raise since her day of birth; three sister-in-law’s Mary (Walter) Gibson, Magdalene (Ervin) Gibson, and Rhonda Mebane; many nieces, nephews, and cousins are left to cherish his memories.

Leroy will be remembered for his greatest enjoyment in life: that was farming, tractors, cars, and nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Special thanks to his wife, Shirley, for 70 years in love. Also, to his daily care givers, Thresa Gannaway, Gregory Stephenson and Quinton Jones; Atrium Health-Cole Podrza PA-C, Dr. Vallathucherry C. Harish, and Dr. Demetrica Hagler and social worker, Emily.