Leeroy Hatcher, Sr.

Leeroy Hatcher Sr.  was born on March 24, 1942, to the late Ozzie & Maggie Hatcher in Sardis, Alabama. He was blessed with 11 siblings Ozzie Jr. (deceased), Bernard (deceased), Yvonne (deceased), Alphonso, Janice (deceased), Ralph, Nathaniel, Barbara, Betty, and Mary.

As a boy, Leeroy was no stranger to hard work. He and his siblings worked to upkeep the family farm tending to their crops of corn, cotton, and various other fruits and vegetables. For Fun he enjoyed playing baseball, dancing, and fishing. Leeroy attended Shiloh High School. He left home to pursue an agricultural career in Florida for a period of time; he got a work opportunity in upstate New York, but fate eventually brought him to Cleveland, OH where he planted his roots. Leeroy met (how he would often describe) the love of his life, Anna Mosley Hatcher. And from this union, there were 6 children, Leroy Hatcher Jr. (preceded in death), Andre Hatcher (Sonja), Arthur Hatcher Sr. (Monica), and Aileen McCafferty (Bryant). Sheila Bush & Darin Butler were his bonus children from Anna’s previous marriage that he loved the same.  As a young couple, Leeroy & Anna became members of Temple Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH under the leadership of Eugene Ward. In recent years, he frequented Calvary Congregational Church pastored by D. Calvin Wade.

Leeroy had a passion for food and people. Throughout his adult years, Leeroy worked at Fisher Foods, Corky & Lenny’s, Davis Bakery, Dearring’s, and Villa St. Anne where he retired in 2005. Leeroy prided himself on being a provider and he never met a stranger. If you spent more than 20 minutes with him, he would tell you one of his famous stories about a celebrity he encountered in the 60’s & 70’s, or how the artist formally known as Prince could run and flip on a wall like a squirrel when he was a boy while being babysat by his sister. Leeroy would share these stories w/ anyone who would listen, and he had a special way of getting a person to understand where he was coming from. Leeroy loved music his record collection was something that brought him joy as well as his numerous photo albums. He loved to BBQ & prepare other southern cuisine for his family and friends. His food and his stories were just a couple of ways he expressed his love.

Leeroy spun his last record on May 25, 2020, and was called home to be with the Lord. His laughter, the essence of his recipes, generous heart, and the echo of his tales will be forever cherished by his loved ones. He is preceded in death by his “Dirlfriend “Anna Hatcher & his son Leroy Hatcher Jr. He is survived by 6 siblings; 5 children Sheila, Darin, Andre, Aileen, & Arthur (his caregiver for many years as well as his friend). 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lovingly Submitted The Family