Mr. Leroy Justice

Leroy Justice - Obituary On February 5th 2025, Leroy Justice peacefully transitioned to his eternal resting place. Leroy was born in Rienzi, Mississippi to Wiley B. Justice and Mary Lee Williams Justice. He moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee at an early age to live with his grandmother, Hearmie Williams, who was a charter member of the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. C.C. Fuller. Leroy was fondly described as handsome, popular, a sharp dresser, and a fun-loving person. This popularity led to friends and family giving him many nicknames that have lasted over the years. In Oak Ridge he was affectionately called Boogie along with Sunny, Justice, Granddad, Pappa J, and Po J. Of course, to hear the name “daddy” was special and made him smile! Another fun fact about Leroy was that he loved beautiful, fast cars, and motorcycles. His cars always had special features, you might say they were “souped-up” and always caught the attention of his friends. Drag racing was one of his favorite pastimes. As a big sports enthusiast, he immediately joined the basketball team at Scarboro School, averaging an impressive 20 points per game. During his high school experience, he made the football team but did not stay long due to the lack of acceptance of African American students in sports in surrounding schools and throughout the country. But, the highlight of his sports interest came when he tried out for the Detroit Tigers farm team. While that desire didn't come to fruition for reasons beyond his control, he always felt honored to have been given the opportunity to compete. Leroy attended Scarboro Elementary School, Robertsville Junior High School, and Oak Ridge High School. He was among the first African American students to participate in the desegregation of Oak Ridge High school in September 1955. Unbeknown to him, he would become recognized as one of the “Scarboro 85” students who were trailblazers for education and equality. This peaceful desegregation event of Robertsville Junior High School and Oak Ridge High School has gained national recognition that he and others can be proud to celebrate. His name, along with 84 other students and educators will be forever etched in our hearts and the educational history of the Oak Ridge School system. In 1964, Leroy moved his family to Detroit, Michigan where he obtained employment at Chevrolet Automotive Company, a division of General Motors. Later he pursued his entrepreneurship and became the owner and operator of a fish market on Woodward Avenue in Detroit Mi. Following retirement, he enjoyed a peaceful life with family. Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Leonae Justice, Detroit, Michigan; grandmother, Hearmie Williams; parents, Wiley B. Justice and Mary Lee Justice; siblings, Nettie Lou Allen, John L. Justice, Eddie Lewis Justice, Sherman Justice, Linda Ruth Welch, Canary Justice, and Mary Alice Willis. He leaves to cherish his memories four daughters, Carmen Dowdell Toy-Fouse (Jesse), Oak Ridge, TN; Cynthia Justice-Clark (John), Riverdale, GA; LaToyia White, Southfield MI; and Crystal Justice-Burroughs (Jason), Hockley, TX; step-daughter, Emeshe Washington (David) and her daughter, Sekai of Farmington Hills, MI; sister Juanita Stovall of Rienzi, Ms, and nephew (brother), Lawrence Justice, of St.Louis Mo. cousin (best friend) Iola Lamar of Detroit, MI; grandchildren, Michael (Parris) Crain, Tiffany Toy, Shemil Burse, Celvin Fouse, Shemar Fox, Lyric C. Burroughs; great-grandchildren; Aliyah, Mariah, & Michael Crain II and Zy’aire Fox; and a host of family and friends.

Mr. Leroy Justice

July 12, 1936 - February 5, 2025