Obituary for Leroy Mann, Jr.
January 27, 1949 – October 27, 2025
Leroy Mann, Jr. passed away on October 27, 2025, in Aventura, FL. He was born on January 27, 1949, in Palatka, FL, to Clara and Leroy Mann, Sr. He was the oldest of four children. He grew into someone who was gifted and full of curiosity about the world around him.
Leroy was both extremely athletic and musically inclined. He could play nearly every instrument you would find in a church and was also a talented singer. The guitar, however, was his favorite. He cherished it so deeply that he kept his pointer fingernail carefully groomed to serve as a ready-made pick, always prepared to strum a melody. Over the years, he performed with small bands and church choirs, sharing his musical talents generously with anyone willing to listen.
He graduated from Central Academy in 1967 and briefly attended college. Leroy later married Leithia Cromartie. Together, they welcomed four beautiful children—two sons and two daughters. Although the marriage did not last, his love and pride for his family remained constant throughout his life.
Leroy was always on the move. His journey took him through Palatka, New Jersey, Hawthorne, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Miami, and other places along the way. His frequent moves led him to many self-contracted jobs, through which he stayed active and connected. No matter where he landed, he could always be found at a YMCA or gym, faithfully enjoying the comfort of his beloved steam room.
Leroy loved learning and explored Spanish, Creole, French, Mandarin, German, and other languages to connect with others and keep his mind active. He also had a deep love for the Bible and often engaged in thoughtful conversations about the passages he studied. Through his travels and his faith, he made many friends and gained new brothers and sisters in Christ.
About eight years ago, Leroy lost his sight. Shortly after, he moved to Miami to be closer to family for support. Even then, he remained full of ideas and perspectives he was always eager to share. Leroy was known for being outspoken. He had strong opinions, and while not everyone agreed with him, he shared them with passion and a strong sense of certainty. Leroy could make you think and make you laugh, always trying to find humor wherever he could. He delighted in teaching children phrases in different languages. He also enjoyed helping anyone with a spark of musical interest learn a note or two.
Throughout his life, he had been many things to many people. He was thought of by some as an engaging conversationalist, a visionary, a teacher, a musician, and a skilled craftsman. To others, he was the one who could make them laugh, a rolling stone, or a dependable gym buddy. Nevertheless, he was someone whose presence left an impression, no matter how brief or lasting the moment.
Leroy Mann, Jr. will be deeply missed, forever remembered and loved by his children, Lerrone Mann, Dionne Mayo, Andric Mann (preceding him in death), and Rachelle Strickland; his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Shirlene Jenkins, Sylvia Greene, and Leslie Mann; and his nieces and nephews. He is also remembered and loved by a host of cousins, extended family members, and the many friends whose lives he touched.
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