Leroy C. Starling, Jr.

Leroy C. Starling, age 84, of Bainbridge, GA, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Archbold Memorial Hospital. He was the son of Leroy Starling, Sr. & Eva Barnes Starling and was born in Abbeville, AL but lived most of his life in Bainbridge. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, then worked for Elberta Crate & Box Co. for 41 years, retiring in 2007 as V.P. of Operations.

But Leroy soon found that retirement life was not for a workaholic like him. He began staying very busy and happy doing home repairs for other people. When asked why he loved working so much his answer was "It's not work—it's fun!" He continued until he was 80 years old when health issues finally caused him to retire again.

In earlier years Leroy loved spending time on the water jet-skiing and especially being on his houseboat. He also enjoyed RV camping and had many good times with his "camping buddies".

Attending church service was always the highlight of every week for as long as he was able to go. Through the years he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. But more than anything he loved hearing God's word taught and preached.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Jackie Maxwell Starling; son, Phillip Starling (Dana); son, Brian Mock; daughter, Lindsey M. King (Kale); grandchildren, Nick Starling (Elizabeth) and Whitney Debord (Timothy); brother, Earl Starling (Brenda); sisters, Elaine Money (Jackie) and Mary Lucy Rogers (Teto); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister, Martha Turner, and his much loved and constant companion, his little dog, Toby.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tim Dean and Pastor Phillip Kirkland officiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Georgia Hospice Care, 303 E. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819.