Leroy McCardell

LeRoy McCardell, age 76, transferred to his eternal home on … after a victorious battle with pancreatic cancer. LeRoy was born on May 3rd, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Leroy and Nettie (Williams) McCardell. He was one of five siblings: Thomas, Eddie, Richard, Hettie and Jerome who all preceded him in death. In 1967, he converted to Catholicism and the Honorable Ms. Agnes Welch was appointed his godmother by Father Hill. LeRoy married the love of his life, Betty Lee Harris on February 3, 1968 at St. Edwards Catholic Church. They together raised five adventurous boys. The home was always filled with displays of love. Regularly, the McCardell’s could be seen taking the kids and the entire block to the park, beach or out for a ride. Sometimes, one or more of the kids would be waiting for Dad to arrive home from work and deal with some mischievous that occurred during the day. They could look forward to explaining not only what occurred but also how to avoid a recurrence. LeRoy was always dependable and a hard worker. He was briefly employed at Friendship Airport (now Baltimore-Washington Airport) local restaurants, and hospitals. However, he found his niche as a printer/machinist working at W. J. Dickey’s and later West Essex. It was there he flourished leading/overseeing other tradesman in the company and represented as the first African American promoted to foreman. LeRoy was educated in the Baltimore City Public School system. Years later, he attended a night program to earn his Maryland State High School Diploma. Subsequently, he continued his formal education by enrolling at Baltimore City Community College. After earning an AA in Business Management at Baltimore City Community College, LeRoy received a scholarship to attend University at Baltimore (UAB) for four-year degree in Business Marketing. Eventually, polio began to take a toll on his body and he was placed on medical disability. Although LeRoy could not continue at UAB, his education did not stop. His ability to provide insight on everything earned him the nickname “the Answer Man.” He was able to give well-informed advice on many things including marriage, parenting, and business. He would be able to provide a point of contact to someone in government, law or a business once he found it on his yellow pad. Although he was raised in a Christian home and had a praying grandmother, LeRoy realized he needed to trust God completely and give him everything. He committed all of his heart to Christ in 2005 and started attending mass regularly. LeRoy faced every obstacle and challenge with faith knowing God won’t fail and He is an ever present help. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving-devoted wife, Betty; two sisters-in-law, Marian Harris and Barbara Harris; five sons, J.R. (LaHoma), Timothy (Michelle), Olen (Renee), Anthony, and Karl; niece/daughter Lynnette Harris; two nieces Donna McCall (Perris) and Julia Marie Dix; two nephews Richard Harris and Jerome J. McCardell III (LeAnna).; fourteen grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, a host of great nieces, great nephews, family and friends.

Tributes

Leroy McCardell

May 3, 1940 - June 1, 2016