Leroy Skipper, Jr.

On July 2, 1941 in Simon Mississippi, Rev. L.R. and Willie Nell Skipper were blessed with a son, LeRoy. He was the oldest of eight children and was lovingly known as “Junior” by his brothers, sisters, family and “Skip” by his friends and associates. At an early age, he was baptized by his father Rev. L.R. Skipper at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Coahoma, Mississippi. LeRoy attended Higgins High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi where he was a drummer in the marching band, member of the drama club, on the yearbook staff and active in various other school activities. After high school he attended Coahoma Community College and later transferred and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a Bachelor of Arts in History. While at the university, LeRoy met the woman who would become his best friend and wife. LeRoy was united in holy matrimony to Margaret Randle on March 5, 1964. From this union two children were born, Mark and Lisa. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1964, where LeRoy worked at General Motors, Retail Credit and eventually a manager at Equitable Life Insurance. He was promoted in 1978 and moved his family to Columbus, Ohio. In 1986, LeRoy left Equitable Life Insurance and he and Margaret became the proud owners of two UPS Store franchises. Shortly after joining Tabernacle Baptist Church he became a faithful servant for 40 years. LeRoy was a member of the Brotherhood Chorus and participated in the Men’s Day activities. On Father’s Day, June 21, 2020, God called LeRoy back home. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, nephew, brother and uncle. LeRoy came from a musical family, and his beautiful voice was a blessing to his family and church family. LeRoy’s spirit, sense of humor, and love for his family was felt by all. LeRoy is preceded in death by his wife Margaret, parents, Rev. L.R. and Willie Nell Skipper; brother Robert and sister Shirley. He leaves to celebrate his life his son, Mark A. Skipper of Maple Grove, Minnesota; daughter, Lisa D. Skipper of Columbus, Ohio; grandson, Lamont Pitman of Columbus, Ohio; granddaughter, Kennedy Skipper of Westfield, Indiana; sisters, Bertha Skipper of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Josephine Skipper Bailey of Elgin, Illinois; Beth Skipper Graves of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Debra Rankin (Ezekiel) of Denver, Colorado; brother, Cornelius Skipper of Memphis, Tennessee; uncle, Nelson Caver, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.