Leroy Hunter Jr

Leroy Hunter, Jr., 78, of Avon Lake, Ohio, transitioned from this life Sunday, March 17, 2024.

He was born December 5, 1945, in Whitfield, Alabama. He was one of 10 children born to Rev. Leroy Hunter, Sr. and Malinda (Walker) Hunter.

Leroy accepted Christ at an early age, and he graduated from Kinterbish High School in Cuba, Alabama.

June 29, 1968, Leroy married Carrie B. Drummer. Of this union, one child was born, Shelia Hunter.

He later joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Leroy was a natural born leader. He was employed as a welder for many years at Thew Shovel in Lorain, Ohio, but later applied his savvy business expertise in the launching of various businesses, which included the iconic 'Diamond Mouth Productions'. As an entertainment promoter, he showcased popular musical talents at local venues such as The Lorain Palace Theatre, Elk's Farm, Showcase Lounge, Eagle's Nest, and Warren & Mary's. He was also the owner of a Dollar Store in Henderson, Nevada, as well as a kiosk on Fremont Street in Las Vegas.

Leroy loved all people. He was a music connoisseur, as well as an avid photographer, who believed in happiness and living life to the fullest. His hobbies included traveling, football, basketball, and attending professional boxing events. He cherished the time that he was able to spend with family and friends. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him great joy.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Leroy Sr., and Malinda Hunter; his wife, Carrie B. Hunter; two sisters, Lizzie Garrett and Diane Overton; and brothers, Michael Thompson and Darryl Johnson.

Leroy leaves to cherish his precious memory, his daughter, Shelia L. Hunter of Westlake, Ohio; granddaughters, Lakya S. Hunter and Tajah Davis, both of Lorain, Ohio; grandson, Ra'Lik Diamond Davis of Lakewood, Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Maliya Glaster, Preston Amparo, and Siya Amparo, all of Lorain, Ohio; siblings, Dorthy (Dott) Gary of Chicago, Illinois; Charlie Hunter of Chicago, Illinois; Bevan Wallace of Savannah, Georgia; Carey Johnson of Pennington, Alabama; Peter Johnson of Pennsylvania; and Stoney Thompson of Pennington, Alabama; his special companion, Kathryn Harris of Lorain, Ohio, who loved and cared for him diligently. The  family thanks her for showing unconditional love, time and patience until the VERY END, and she will forever be a part of the Hunter family.; his loving and caring goddaughters, Shema Capers and LaToya Capers of Columbus, Ohio, Hope Thomas of Mississippi, Collette Ballard, Chelly Johnson, both of Lorain, Ohio, and MiJetta Pruitt of Shreveport, Louisianna; godson, Scott Randle Fowler, Jr. of Washington, D.C.; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, additional family members and friends.

A homegoing celebration of life service will be held at Living Word Church, 2002 E. 28th Street, Lorain, Ohio, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, with viewing beginning at 10 a.m., until time of service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, Ohio.