Leroy Vester Counts, 85, of Benton, MS passed away Friday, April 12, 2024 in Florence, MS. He was born September 24, 1939 to the late Shell and Eula Counts.
Leroy spent his life providing for his family and creating laughter wherever he went. As a truck driver for nearly 40 years, he experienced life through the driver’s seat, taking a Moonpie and an RC Cola everywhere he went. He saw the wonders of the West, which further instilled in him a deep love for his country.
In retirement, Leroy loved fishing, garaging, and watching Ole Miss Football. He spent his weekends waking early to beat everyone to the sales, arriving back at the house in time for the Ole Miss game, and then loading up the morning haul to sell at the local auction. Even with this strict schedule, Leroy always made time for his grandchildren. He would let them tag along to the sales and teach them the art the deal firsthand. No matter what he was doing, he had a smile on his face and brought laughter to those around him.
Leroy is preceded in death by his first wife, Sylvia Yvonne Counts; his second wife, Barbara Jean Counts; two of his sons, Mike and Jeff; two of his brothers, Donald and Shelby; and two of his sisters, Doris and Opal.
He is survived by his daughters, Penny (Marty) Turbeville and Michelle (Brent) Lackey; his sons, Gerald (Sonya) Counts and Neal (Tina) Stringfellow; his brother, David; his sister, Bibb; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at Stricklin King Funeral Home (718 Calhoun Ave) in Yazoo City, MS. The memorial service will be held from noon until 1 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church (10967 Eden Midway Rd) in Benton with burial thereafter in the church cemetery.
