LEROY CANDLER JR.

On March 9, 1937, Leroy Candler, Jr. was born in St. Joseph, Louisiana to his mother Virginia Carpenter and his father Leroy Candler, Sr. (both who preceded him in death).  He was the oldest of three children (his siblings Elizabeth Thomas and Vassor Candler both preceded him in death).

Leroy believed he was baptized in Louisiana at an early age.  However, after becoming a member of St. Stephens Church of God in Christ in San Diego, California he was baptized again.  He knew Christ as his Lord and Savior and would often recite scripture, sing hymns and pray boldly to God.

Leroy loved his parents and family.  As the eldest child, he took on the financial responsibility of making a better life for them all.  He attended school in Louisiana, but consequently chose work over completing his education.  Nonetheless, he knew the value of knowledge, which was exemplified in his work and business ethics.

After Leroy left Louisiana, he moved west to Las Vegas, Nevada and lastly to San Diego, California, which he called home.  He later purchased a home for his parents and moved them to San Diego as well.

Leroy was a hard worker with a very strong and ambitious demeanor.  He worked in the construction industry for decades and took pride in the work he did in assisting with the construction of San Diego’s Coronado Bridge and local freeway expansions. He was employed by companies to include: WF Maxwell Construction, Daley Construction Corporation and KTA Construction before he was forced to retire due to severe back injuries.  He was well known and respected as a foreman in the industry and many have credited him for giving them jobs.  He developed a shrewd business-savvy edge in the real estate market throughout San Diego, California.

In the late 1950’s, Leroy met Mary Lou Mingo and they were united in marriage in August 1966.  From this union they had two children: Leroy L. Candler and Carol D. Candler (Brookins).

Leroy was also father to Delores A. Carter, Maryann Candler, Diane Candler (who preceded him in death) and two stepchildren Shirley A. Mingo (Davis) and Preston Mingo.

Leroy loved God and life.  He had a huge compassionate heart.  To many he displayed a tough outward shell, but to those who knew him he was one of the most caring and giving souls you would ever meet.  He loved his family and imparted morals, values and wisdom into the life of his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

On February 23, 2018, God called Leroy home.  He is now free of pain and at peace. 

While there are so many lives he has touched, left to cherish his legacy of love and memories are the following:

His devoted wife, Mary L. Candler; daughter, Carol D. Brookins (Kenneth) of San Diego, CA; son, Leroy L. Candler of San Diego, CA; daughter, Delores A. Carter of Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Maryann Bell (Ray) of Las Vegas, NV; stepdaughter, Shirley A. Davis of San Diego, CA, stepson, Preston Mingo, III (Linda) of Winnsboro, LA; granddaughter, Chaunteal Webb-Candler of San Diego, CA; grandson, Kenneth J. Brookins, Jr. of San Diego, CA; grandson, Jesse J. Brookins of San Diego, CA; grandson, Andre J. Candler of Elverta, CA; granddaughter, Katrice M. Candler of San Diego, CA; grandson, Romal Bell of Las Vegas, NV; grandson, Ezra Bell of Las Vegas, NV; grandson, LeVar Bell of Las Vegas, NV; grandson, Michael Bell of Las Vegas, NV; grandson, D’Angelo Candler of Las Vegas, NV; step-grandson, Christopher Davis of San Diego, CA; step-grandson, Frederick Mingo of Winnsboro, LA; a host of great-grandchildren; nieces, (Kathy, Latonya and Sandra); great-nieces, (Monique, LaTosha and Jazz Marie) of San Diego, CA; cousins, Loretta and June Ealy of Las Vegas, NV; long-time family friends, John and Virginia Tates of San Diego, CA.

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