Ben McLeroy

“To God Be the Glory – We are blessed” 

Benjamin Burton McLeroy, 91, died at home on February 8, 2025, less than ½ mile from his place of birth in Bogart, GA. The family will receive visitors on Monday, February 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and his services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Lord & Stephens West. All friends and family are invited to attend. Immediately following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at his home church, Bogart First Baptist, where he was a lifelong member and served as a deacon for over 64 years. Ben’s eleven grandsons will serve as pallbearers. 

Ben, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on April 23, 1933, to Homer and Mattie [Dickinson] McLeroy. He was one of five children and was preceded in death by his only brother, Jim [Faye] McLeroy. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Farrar Larkey, Columbia, SC, Martha [Neil] Phillips, Spartanburg, SC and Jean [Fred] Dickens, Watkinsville, GA and many nieces and nephews who were near and dear to his heart. 

Ben graduated from Bogart High School in 1950. He was a member of the men’s basketball team, and FFA. In 1954, after spending four years in ROTC and graduating from The University of Georgia with a degree in Ag Engineering, Ben joined the Air Force with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He served 3 years in active duty as a single engine jet pilot and flew T-33s and B 47s. He spent his remaining years as a reservist where he earned the rank of Major before retiring with 19 years of service. 

Ben married his sweetheart, Caroline Reeves in Rome, GA on June 15, 1956. Their courtship was short but was full of love and stood the test of time for over 68 years. Caroline was the love of his life and the last sweet face he saw before leaving his earthly home. 

Together they built a home set on a firm foundation of respect, hard work, family and the love of each other, neighbors and church. They raised four daughters, one son, twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren due to be born in April. His legacy continues with Meg McLeroy, Bogart; Amy McLeroy [David] Camp, Bogart; Mary Jo McLeroy McCutcheon, Smyrna; Nan McLeroy [Scott] Baylard, Cumming; and John [Karin] McLeroy, McDonald, TN. Grandchildren in birth order are Carter [Abby] Camp, Anna Reeves McCutcheon, Brenner McCutcheon, Caroline Camp [Dustin] Phan, Wills McCutcheon, McCord Camp, Beau Baylard, Jack Baylard, Wyatt McLeroy, Luke McLeroy, Wesley McLeroy, Kyle McLeroy and Robert Mikel and Clara Camp [twin great grand babies]. 

He owned a very successful land surveying business for 58 years and retired when he was 85. His stamp, Ben McLeroy & Associates – Surveyors and Engineers is seen on acres and acres of plats throughout Georgia. Ben’s interest in land and community development lead to serving as a school board member for 25 years while his children were in school in Oconee County. He also took a special interest in attending Bogart City Council meetings and never hesitated to offer his advice on the stewardship of funds, land and time. 

In 2023, for his 90th birthday, his family, friends and the town of Bogart celebrated this impressive milestone by honoring him with a Tractor Parade. Tractors of all shapes and sizes from across the county rolled in to line up and parade through town. The City of Bogart declared April 23, Ben McLeroy Day and dedicated a sidewalk in his name. The plaque is on display in front of the Ag Building in Bogart. 

In a quote from the Athens Banner Herald about his thoughts on the parade can also be said for his life well lived, admired and adored by so many, “I’m very humbled by the honor they have extended to me, but I feel the glory goes to the Lord God Jesus Christ for all he’s blessed me with.” His kindness, faith and boundless generosity of spirit was felt by many and forever remains etched on our hearts. 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, is in charge of arrangements.