Leroy Edward Mitchell

Mr. Leroy Edward Mitchell was born on June 20, 1923, in Winter Haven, Florida, to Mr.
Charley Mitchell and Ms. Wilhelmina Robinson. He was one of five boys — Charley Jr., Willie,
Raymond, Leroy, and Johnell. In his early years, Leroy moved to Charleston, South Carolina,
where he was raised by his Aunt Peaches. Growing up during the Great Depression, life was
challenging. He had to stop school in the third grade to work and help put food on the table. As
a teenager, he sometimes slept in bathtubs just to have a place to rest. Longing for a way out,
Leroy found his path when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
Leroy honorably served in the Navy from 1942 until his retirement in January 1963. He was a
veteran of World War II, completing tours in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. His first warship
assignment was the USS Leedstown APA-73, which was sunk by German submarines and
aircraft on November 9, 1942. Surviving that experience, Leroy continued to serve faithfully,
working on several ships, including one that carried President George H.W. Bush’s aircraft.
While serving, he developed a love for reading to educate himself, purchasing books from every
corner of the world. He especially loved reading about Black and African history, and his
treasured copy of The African Queen, purchased for 16 cents in Capetown, South Africa,
remained a favorite.
After retiring from the Navy, Leroy continued his life at sea as a Merchant Seaman, before
beginning his second career with Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit) in Oakland,
California. For over 20 years, he drove bus routes including the 64, 57, and 82 lines, earning the
admiration of schoolchildren and riders who relied on him daily. While driving for AC Transit, he
also acquired his GED. He retired after two decades of service, remembered as a driver who
loved his work and his community.
In his personal life, Leroy was devoted to his family. In the late 1940s, he married Angela
Stokes, and together they had two daughters, Linda McCollum and Brenda Benson. In 1960,
he married Lillie Mae Holland, and together they raised a blended family of James Tensley,
Byron King, Linda King-Palmer, and Michael King. In 1970, they welcomed their daughter,
Kristine, completing their family. A dedicated father, Leroy worked tirelessly to give his children
opportunities he never had, encouraging education — especially the knowledge of Black history
— along with discipline, even as he sacrificed to ensure their future success.
Leroy’s love for jazz music was unmatched. He had a vast collection of vinyl albums and
admired legends like Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Louis Prima,
Kelly Smith, Hot Lips Page, Jimmy Smith, Milt Jackson, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Christian, John
Coltrane, and Miles Davis to name a few. During his Navy years, he often traveled between
Harlem and Philadelphia, soaking in the culture of the post-war jazz scene, and even had
opportunities to drive Ella Fitzgerald and other performers while working along the Chitlin’
Circuit.
Health and exercise were cornerstones of Leroy’s life. He was known for his daily walks,
including laps around Lake Merritt in Oakland and climbing the 146 steps nearby multiple times
a day. He incorporated Tae Bo, yoga, aqua aerobics, gyrotonics, and stretching well into his
later years. Even after suffering a stroke in 2022 at age 99, he continued physical therapy,
walking on an anti-gravity treadmill and staying as active as possible.
Cooking was Leroy’s love language. He delighted in preparing meals for others, from perfectly
carved turkeys to fresh salads and hearty steak-and-rice dishes. He was also known for his
generosity and community spirit — washing down sidewalks for neighbors and offering help
whenever needed. He also loved watching Tiger Woods play golf and was thrilled to see him in
person in 2022 with his son in law Leon. An avid reader, Leroy frequently visited Marcus Book
Store in Oakland and the Oakland Public Library, outside of his books on black history, he
enjoyed Westerns by Louis L’Amour. One of his proudest life moments was witnessing the
election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States.
In 2014, Leroy and his beloved wife Lillie moved to Somerset, New Jersey, to live with their
daughter Kristine and son-in-law Leon. Lillie had dementia and he needed help taking care of
her. While he never grew fond of the NJ winters, he loved the people he met and became a
favorite at the Franklin Park Stop & Shop, where employees even surprised him with a
celebration for his 99th birthday. He continued traveling with his family, including a memorable
vacation to Aruba, where at 99 years old he rode an electric bike, climbed aboard an ATV, and
definitely enjoyed a bit of gambling.
To the InSpira community, he was affectionately known as “Papa Mitch”
, a name coined by
Leon in 1994. He became a beloved figure at dance recitals, admired for his sharp mind,
youthful spirit, coming on to the stage with his shades, and his ability to outwalk many people
decades younger.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his daughter Brenda, and his wife,
Lillie. He is survived by his children: Kristine Smith (Leon) of Somerset, NJ; Linda
McCollum of Charlotte, NC; Linda Palmer of Hayward, CA; Byron King of Mountain View,
CA; Michael King (Elise) of Sacramento, CA; James Tensley (Adele) of Sahuarita, AZ; his
grandchildren: Kiara, Kiana, Sonya, Elston, Sonida, Alana, Khalil, Michael, Jimmy, and
Jule; his beloved grandpuppy, Koko; and many extended family members and friends who
loved him dearly.
As a proud Navy veteran, Leroy will receive the honor of a burial at sea. His ashes will be
spread in places most meaningful to his life:
●
Winter Haven, Florida – his birthplace
●
Charleston, South Carolina – where he grew up
●
Oakland, California – where he built his family and retired from the military
●
Aruba – where he last vacationed with family at age 99
●
Coast of North Africa – the site where the USS Leedstown was sunk in 1942
Mr. Leroy Edward Mitchell lived 102 years as a fighter, a provider, and a man of
integrity. His legacy of love, resilience, and service will live on in all who knew and
cherished him.