Leroy Watford, 72, of Laurinburg, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, January 15, 2021.

Leroy was born in Hartsville, SC on June 22, 1948 to loving parents, the late Louis and Bertha Watford.   He went to school at Laurel High School.  He married his high school sweetheart Carol Kay Gore on May 23, 1967 in California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.  He was a proud Marine,  “Not as mean, not as lean but still a Marine” was his motto.   He worked in textiles for JP Stevens and later as an Insurance Agent for United Insurance.   But his true vocation for the past 25 years was as Santa Claus.  He was a wonderful Santa, with a full white beard, jelly belly, twinkling eyes and friendly nature.  He and Mrs. Claus were regulars in the Laurinburg Christmas parade, Reindeer Fun Run, Cheslie Breigh Johnson photography Photo’s with Santa and made multiple appearances throughout the community to bring Christmas joy to children.  Leroy always took time to listen to children who spotted him, even in Wal-Mart in July, and provided them with the gift of love and hope.  He was generous and kind to all and never met a stranger.  He also was a talented wood-worker, cake decorator and jack-of-all-trades.  He especially loved finding antiques and collectibles and was an original American picker.

Leroy’s family was everything to him and he was completely devoted to his beautiful wife of 54 years, Carol Kay Watford.  He was a wonderful brother to Louis Watford, Jr., Paul Watford (Kathy), and Alesia Watford Blue (Jimmy Blue).

He was a loving father to Laura Watford Wrightson (Dean), Pamela Kay Keith (Mark) and Leroy Watford II (Melissa).

He was also a very proud Poppy to Daniel Keith (Cassie), Josh Wrightson (Ashton), Ryan Keith (Joceline), Kaylee Watford, Catherine Watford, Jackson Watford and great-granddaughter Emiliana Rose Keith.  He held his grandchildren close to his heart and had their names tattooed on his chest.  He also had an extensive extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and brother and sister-in-laws who he loved dearly.
Services with military honors will be conducted at graveside on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Pinecrest Cemetery, Gibson, NC.  Family will receive friends following the service at graveside.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172-1776.

Facial mask with social distancing will be requires at all services.