LEROY LANE SR.

Leroy Lane Sr. was born on April 3, 1933, in Sumter, a son of the late Robert and Edith Haynesworth Lane. God, in his infinite wisdom, called Roy from labor to reward on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. "Roy," as he was affectionately called, was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. He later married Rosa Lee Robinson and to this union they reared five beautiful children. Roy enlisted in the United States Army and served his country with valor and honor. As a youngster and through adulthood, Roy was a member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, where he served in several capacities to include trustee, United Methodist Men organization, transportation ministry, Sunday school attendant and president of the usher board for more than 50 years. He continued to be an active member until his health declined several years ago. He was also known for sharing Juicy Fruit gum with the youth members of the church. Roy was a member of the Good Fellows Club, the Birnie Elks Lodge 1195 and a lifetime member of the NAACP Sumter Chapter. He was also an entrepreneur in Sumter and surrounding areas and was well known in the Sumter community. Roy was employed by Southern Coating Painting as a lab technician for 36 years, before he retired in 1994.

To receive his legacy and cherish his memory, Roy leaves his wife of 67 years, Rosa Robinson Lane; two daughters, Velma Lane of Sumter and Deborah M. Lane of the home; two sons, retired Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Lane Jr. of Sumter and retired Col. Drefus Lane Sr. (Doris) of Manassas, Virginia; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; special niece, Bridget Tolliver-Durant; special nephews, Abram Ludd and Byron Goins; special cousin, Maggie Lane; and a host of special family friends, other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during home visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. at 34 Byrd St., Sumter.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Zion - Lane Cemetery, Loring Mill Road, Sumter, with Pastor Gwendolyn White officiating.

The processional will leave at 1:20 p.m. from the home.

These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.