On the evening of Friday, June 7, 2024, John Earl LeRoy, born on May 23, 1939, to Vernon and Ada LeRoy, was granted eternal rest.

Following in the aviation tradition of his father and uncle, John explored the world as an airline Captain for United Airlines, traveling frequently to Hong Kong and many other destinations near and far.

John spent much of his long life satiating his desire for learning and adventure. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in aeronautical engineering, served in the Navy, and rose to the pinnacle of his airline career. He piloted his first solo flight at the age of 15, explored the waters of the United States by boat, and completed the "Great Circle," traveling up the eastern coastline and down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. He passionately studied history and followed in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark across the United States. He was an active member of Christ Church and served as the President of the Pensacola Archeological Society. He played football in his youth, led the debate team in college, and adopted dozens of hobbies. He fished, kayaked, camped, and read voraciously. He loved tinkering with anything that could be taken apart and reassembled. He told lengthy and animated stories, asked difficult questions, deeply explored his faith, and even learned to sketch and draw in his final months. And yet, with all these interests and accomplishments, the thing he did best and loved most was caring for his darling wife, Gail.

John is preceded in death by his brother, James LeRoy and his parents.

He leaves behind precious family members, including his beloved wife, Gail Nickelsen LeRoy; his children with Karen R. LeRoy: Cynthia (Ben) LeRoy, Matthew (Sally) LeRoy, Mark LeRoy, and Mary (Mike) E. Ainpour; stepchildren, Mark (Heidi) Sullivan and Sheila (Mike) Ewers; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; brother-in-law, Eric (Peg) Nickelsen: sister-in-law, Durelle (Pat) Green and dozens of cousins.

A memorial service will be held 11:00am Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church, with Dr. Michael Hoffman officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 19 W. Wright St., Pensacola, FL 32501.

May Eternal Light Shine Upon Him