Ernest Leroy Baker

Ernest “Leroy” Baker

Ernest “Leroy” Baker, 84, of Greenville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home of more than 30 years on August 15, 2025.

A visitation honoring Leroy will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Morrison Chapel Baptist Church at 1:00 P.M. with a Memorial Service following at 2:00P.M.

He was born September 19, 1940, in Benoit, Mississippi, to Brady Elmo and Bernice Arlene Tidwell Baker.

Leroy was welcomed into Heaven by his wife, Elizabeth “Lizzie” McCollum Baker; his former wife, Billie Sue Baker; his parents, Brady Elmo and Bernice Arlene Tidwell Baker. his stepson, Arnold Perry Nelson; and his brothers and sister, John Richard “J.R.” Baker, Harold Brady Baker, Jimmy Dale Baker, and Arlene Dobbins Brown.

He leaves behind his daughter, Kellye Baker Lanford (Leland Scott); three granddaughters Amber Yates (Jeremy), Whitney Lambert (Benjamin), and Casey Crocker (Seth Jr.); and five great-grandkids Leland Hunter Yates, Jeremy Brayson Yates, Thomas Seth Crocker, Grayson Scott Lambert, Leland Tate Crocker, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Leroy spent most of his working life behind the wheel, driving trucks for Grenada Farms, and Farm Fresh Catfish. He also served as President for Greenville Head and Block. Later, he took pride owning the Maytag Home Appliance Center in Cleveland, MS.

He lived life to the fullest. Leroy loved taking care of his yard, racing at Greenville Motorsports Speedway, and co-owning Silver Dollar Speedway. He enjoyed golf, especially teaching his grandkids and great grandkids how to swing a club. Family game nights were some of his favorite times—whether it was canasta or dominoes, he loved laughing and competing with the people closest to him.

Leroy was strong-willed and full of personality. He always said it was “his way or the highway,” and everyone who knew him knew he meant it. His humor, grit, and love for his family will never be forgotten.

Leroy will be deeply missed, but his stories, his laughter, and his legacy will live on through his family and friends.