William LeRoy Beale

William “LeRoy” Beale, born May 8, 1943, went home to be with his Lord on January 22, 2026. He was the beloved son of Roy and Helen Beale, a dear brother to Mary Jane, and a man whose life was marked by faith and family.

LeRoy was married to his love for over 50 years, Marilynn Beale, and together they built a family full of stories and love. He was a proud father to Adrienne Stepan and Derrick Beale, and nothing brought him more joy than being “PaPa” to his granddaughters, Avery and Caroline Stepan. He also dearly loved his son-in-law, Greg Stepan, who became family not just by marriage, but by heart.

A South Virginian boy at heart who grew up on a Tobacco Farm; LeRoy attended Halifax County Senior High School and graduated from Ferrum College in the Blue Ridge Mountains. No matter where life took him, his heart never left home — especially when summertime rolled around and it was time to head back for Virginia tomatoes, a simple pleasure he never outgrew.

LeRoy never met a stranger. Whether striking up a conversation with a waiter, sitting down at a roadside barbecue, or visiting customers across the Southeast, he had a way of making people feel like they mattered. He could charm a room with his big smile, and genuine interest that made you feel seen and welcome.

His career reflected that love for people. He started with Glenn Turner at Turner Enterprises and quickly became President of Dare to Be Great in the 1970s, traveling the world motivating and encouraging others. Later, in the wholesale floral industry, he became one of the top sales representatives in the Southeast — all while building friendships that lasted far beyond business.

But more than anything, LeRoy loved Jesus and his family. He was a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church in Apopka, Florida since 1985, where he served faithfully as a Deacon, Chairman of the Trustees, and a beloved Sunday School teacher. He was also an active member of the Gideons, taking great joy in sharing God’s Word and helping place Bibles into the hands and hearts of others. His faith was not only something he spoke about — it was something he lived each day through service, compassion, and integrity.

He loved Florida State football, good food, good conversation, and good company. He loved traveling the back roads, calling friends to check in, and gathering his family close whenever he could. His life was simple in the best ways — built on love, laughter, and loyalty.

LeRoy leaves behind a family who will miss him every day but will carry his stories, his faith, and his example forward. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the people he encouraged, and the family he loved so deeply.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.) at Trinity Baptist Church, 1022 South Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, Florida 32712 followed by a 1:00 p.m. burial service at Highlands Memorial Gardens, 3329 E. Semoran Boulevard, Apopka, Florida 32703. All are welcome to join afterwards for the fellowship gathering of remembrance held at Trinity Baptist Church.

We will miss his voice, his laughter, and his big heart — but we are rejoicing knowing he has heard the words from Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers and in memory of LeRoy, please send any donations to Trinity Baptist Church Disaster Relief through the TBC Give Portal