ELMIRA CHAPEL CEMETERY - GREGG COUNTY


Leroy Richard Land, Sr. passed away on Dec. 1, 2014 in Longview, TX.
The funeral will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church located 3501 Elmira Drive in Longview under the direction of Rader Funeral Home. Dr. Jimmy Cantey will officiate assisted by Reverend Don Nunn. Visitation will be held at 2:30-4:00 pm at the church. Burial will be in the Elmira Chapel Cemetery located directly behind the church.

Leroy was born in High Point, NC on June 1, 1930 to Lester and Sallie Land. He was blessed with nine brothers and sisters who all shared a very special bond. Spending his early years traveling the country, he became a pool player to be reckoned with. He joined the Air Force and was stationed at James Connally Base in Waco, TX where he was a crew chief on jet airplanes. While playing baseball on the Air Force team, he met his wife Margie Urban at the ballpark. They married June 17, 1955 nearly making it to their 60th Anniversary! 

After leaving the Air Force, he attended Baylor University for Accounting. He then held accounting jobs at car dealerships in Austin, Killeen, and Waco before moving to Longview in 1967. Leroy began his car sales career at Buckstaff Motors. He also held sales positions at Lively Olds/Cadillac and Bass Chevrolet. He retired in 1999 due to health issues. 

Leroy spent his later years playing dominoes and going to his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved watching football, baseball and golf on TV. He especially enjoyed listening to opera music. 

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, and also siblings: Wade, Mary Ruth “Sissy” Mullis, Millie E. “Biddy” Wells, Lester Jr “Buddy”, and Irene Montgomery. 

Leroy is survived by his wife Margie of Longview and his children Lee (Nancy) Land, Jr and Kathy (Gary) Baker. Grandchildren include: Joe Ed (Krystal) McBride, Tonya Houston, Lauren and Lindsay Land, Melissa and Tye (Ashlie) Baker. Great-grandchildren include: Kyler McBride, Brendan Austin, Makenzie Taylor, Destinee Houston, Brody Smith, Kayden and Keylee Baker. Many loving nieces and nephews are also left behind.

Leroy was known as the jokester among his family and friends. He was the king of one-liners
…. he is in Heaven now making them all laugh.