Leroy Motton January 23, 1947 – May 18, 2025 Leroy Motton, age 78, of Solon, Ohio, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and integrity that will live on through all who knew and cherished him. Born on January 23, 1947, in Potts Camp, Mississippi, Leroy was raisedContinue Reading
Leroy Motton
January 23, 1947 – May 18, 2025
Leroy Motton, age 78, of Solon, Ohio, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of
love, strength, and integrity that will live on through all who knew and cherished him.
Born on January 23, 1947, in Potts Camp, Mississippi, Leroy was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where his
natural athleticism and vibrant spirit began to shine. A proud graduate of Melrose High School, Leroy was
celebrated as an All-American running back, gaining major attention for his talent on the football field.
His excellence earned him a full athletic scholarship to Tennessee State University, where he continued
to excel from 1966 to 1968.
Leroy’s football career took him north, signing with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football
League in 1969 before being traded to the Norfolk Neptunes. While at Tennessee State, he also served as
a golf instructor, which led him to meet the love of his life, Rosita Pettaway. The two were married on
December 29, 1970, and together built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and family. They welcomed
their first son, LeSean Motton, in 1974 and later their second child, Romique Motton, in 1985.
Leroy devoted over 54 years of his life to a remarkable career in the steel industry, working diligently
through multiple evolutions of the same company—from Republic Steel to LTV Steel, ArcelorMittal, and
ultimately Cleveland-Cliffs. His dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic made him a respected
presence and role model to all who worked alongside him.
Beyond his professional and athletic accomplishments, Leroy will be remembered for his gentle spirit,
infectious laughter, and generous heart. He had a smile that welcomed everyone, a genuine soul that
never met a stranger, and a willingness to help anyone in need—offering the shirt off his back without
hesitation. His passions included football, golf, hunting, the great outdoors, and spending time at the
casino.
Leroy is survived by his devoted wife, Rosita Motton, his loving children LeSean (Leslie) Motton and
Romique (Malcolm Jackson), his cherished grandchildren Jason (Kristian Garner), Jordan, Lauryne
(Diandre Byfield), Rheagan, LeSean Jr., Rory, and Mia, and his great-grandchildren Marris Garner and
Kialen Smith. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings George Edward Motton (Christine), Robbie
Jean Motton (Bragg), and Diane Harris, his nieces and nephews Cortessa, Jamal, and Deborah Diane,
and his 96-year-old aunt Alice. He will also be missed dearly by a host of extended family and friends
from California, Mississippi, Tennessee, and beyond.
Leroy’s life was a testimony to the power of kindness, hard work, and unwavering love for family. His
presence will be missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to know him.
George Edward & Christine
left a message on June 3, 2025:
In memory of Leroy Motton, George Edward & Christine lit a candle
Christine Motton
left a message on June 3, 2025:
Dear Rosita and Family
I know condolences are. not enough to ease your pain and we want you to know we have been grieving with you and I am sorry we could not attend his the funeral
Edward dementia and stage 4 kidney travel was not recommended
..May all the beautiful memories of your life together live o. And comfort you at this time.
Love Edward & Christine
Bradley & Mary Dennis
left a message on May 30, 2025:
Rosita:
Our deepest condolences to you, your children-LeSean and Romique, and the rest of the Motton family, in the passing of your husband, and your children’s father, Leroy Motton.
He was a remarkable person whose strength and kindness touched everyone who knew him. The loss of a loved one can indeed be a most difficult challenge, replete with tears and at times a broken spirit. Sadly,” Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” And yet, in these challenging times, the Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18) and “…binds up their wounds” (Psalm147:3).
May we all be comforted as we mourn Leroy’s loss.
In Loving Friendship,
Mary, Bradley, James Dennis, and Family
MIKE CURRY
left a message on May 30, 2025:
Rose, Sean, Romique, my family, I could not be there with you in person today. My heart is with you. It would take me a day to share with you about Lee. I will take just a few minutes to tell you a little about this Gentle Giant. I don't know where to start. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Friend—all wrapped into one.
My Grandmother, his aunt Vastie, brought us together as boys. His father, my uncle George, was her brother. I didn’t have an older brother, so I just made him my big brother. We all know about superheroes and their superpowers. Well, I’m telling you that I always looked up to my cousin Leroy. If you were to go to Orange Mound in Memphis, Tennessee, or ask anyone of age about Leroy Motton, his name would be buzzing. They called him Motton.
I wanted to be like my cousin Lee, so I followed him by playing football and going to college. He was a hard act to follow, he was an awesome family man. Again, I tried to follow his lead.
I learned in later life that it's ok to be a copycat, as long as you copy the right Cat!
I’ll leave with this quote that I heard from Les Brown,
“Do not go where the path may lead, but go where there is no path and leave a trail”
Mike Curry
MIKE CURRY
left a message on May 30, 2025:
In memory of Leroy Motton, MIKE CURRY lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Pat (Allie) Gassert
left a message on May 29, 2025:
Rosita, this is Pat from Sohio/BP. Please accept my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your Leroy. You will be in my prayers as I understand somewhat of what you're feeling right now. Have left my email address - please feel free to contact me. It's been a long time!
Donald James Marino
left a message on May 29, 2025:
My Heart and soul goes out to all Leroy's family members in this time of grief. Words cannot express my feeling of compassion for your loss. As a work associate of Leroy for over 25 years, Leroy helped me at a time when I needed support from a friend and he was there. His strength and courage helped me to deal with health issues we were both dealing with at the same time. He will be in my thoughts forever.
Reginald Houston
left a message on May 28, 2025:
It is with deep sadness to acknowledge the passing of Leroy Motton. For over twenty-seven years, Leroy has been a pillar of strength and positivity in our workplace, always ready with kind words and support. My heart goes out to Rosita,Romique, and the entire Motton Family during this incredibly difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions:if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also. " John 14:1-3(KJV)
Respectfully,
Reggie Houston
Kristi Slowinski
left a message on May 27, 2025:
Thoughts and prayers are with Rosita, LeSean, Romique and family. Leroy was a wonderful next door neighbor. He always said, “hello” with a genuine smile. I enjoyed his laughter.
Gayle Steverson
left a message on May 27, 2025:
What a man,what a man ! I had a good cry because Leroy was a true gentleman. I worked at the steelmill for 27 yrs until they shut down J&L/LTV WEST SIDE. I was a foreman the blast furnace and I met this handsome, gentle big smile man,who will always always have a place in my heart. Thank you Leroy for making me laugh !
Gary olbrysh
left a message on May 27, 2025:
In memory of Leroy Motton, Gary olbrysh lit a candle
Randy L Pratt
left a message on May 27, 2025:
One of the good ones going to miss u roy
Patricia A. Schafer
left a message on May 26, 2025:
Rossita, LeSean, Romica,
We are so sorry to hear about LeRoy. You all were great neighbors when we lived in Solon. We are praying for all of you. Love, Pat and Ken
Ken Schafer
left a message on May 26, 2025:
Blessings to the family: especially Sean…
Roslyn Garner
left a message on May 26, 2025:
To the Motton family,
Roslyn Garner and family extend our most sincere condolences and prayers 🙏🙏🙏to you for the loss of Leroy. He was truly loved by all who knew him.
Roslyn Garner
Nick Pugliese
left a message on May 23, 2025:
This poem was given to us when we lost our daughter. Leroy was my brother.
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
All my love, Nick Pugliese
Ricardo Andre Seals
left a message on May 23, 2025:
Gone but not forgotten. Deepest condolences to the family..
Marcus F. Shy Sr.
left a message on May 23, 2025:
Jehovah is powerful... Even more than this unforseen circumstance... We all will see one another again... Please accept my condolences!
Carl F. Neubeck
left a message on May 23, 2025:
I hope this message finds you surrounded by strength and compassion. Leroy was loved at work by many. I can't imagine what you must be going through, but I wanted you to know my thoughts are with you. Please accept my condolences.
Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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George Edward & Christine
left a message on June 3, 2025:
In memory of Leroy Motton, George Edward & Christine lit a candle
Christine Motton
left a message on June 3, 2025:
Dear Rosita and Family
I know condolences are. not enough to ease your pain and we want you to know we have been grieving with you and I am sorry we could not attend his the funeral
Edward dementia and stage 4 kidney travel was not recommended
..May all the beautiful memories of your life together live o. And comfort you at this time.
Love Edward & Christine
Bradley & Mary Dennis
left a message on May 30, 2025:
Rosita:
Our deepest condolences to you, your children-LeSean and Romique, and the rest of the Motton family, in the passing of your husband, and your children’s father, Leroy Motton.
He was a remarkable person whose strength and kindness touched everyone who knew him. The loss of a loved one can indeed be a most difficult challenge, replete with tears and at times a broken spirit. Sadly,” Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” And yet, in these challenging times, the Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18) and “…binds up their wounds” (Psalm147:3).
May we all be comforted as we mourn Leroy’s loss.
In Loving Friendship,
Mary, Bradley, James Dennis, and Family
MIKE CURRY
left a message on May 30, 2025:
Rose, Sean, Romique, my family, I could not be there with you in person today. My heart is with you. It would take me a day to share with you about Lee. I will take just a few minutes to tell you a little about this Gentle Giant. I don't know where to start. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Friend—all wrapped into one.
My Grandmother, his aunt Vastie, brought us together as boys. His father, my uncle George, was her brother. I didn’t have an older brother, so I just made him my big brother. We all know about superheroes and their superpowers. Well, I’m telling you that I always looked up to my cousin Leroy. If you were to go to Orange Mound in Memphis, Tennessee, or ask anyone of age about Leroy Motton, his name would be buzzing. They called him Motton.
I wanted to be like my cousin Lee, so I followed him by playing football and going to college. He was a hard act to follow, he was an awesome family man. Again, I tried to follow his lead.
I learned in later life that it's ok to be a copycat, as long as you copy the right Cat!
I’ll leave with this quote that I heard from Les Brown,
“Do not go where the path may lead, but go where there is no path and leave a trail”
Mike Curry
MIKE CURRY
left a message on May 30, 2025:
In memory of Leroy Motton, MIKE CURRY lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Pat (Allie) Gassert
left a message on May 29, 2025:
Rosita, this is Pat from Sohio/BP. Please accept my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your Leroy. You will be in my prayers as I understand somewhat of what you're feeling right now. Have left my email address - please feel free to contact me. It's been a long time!
Donald James Marino
left a message on May 29, 2025:
My Heart and soul goes out to all Leroy's family members in this time of grief. Words cannot express my feeling of compassion for your loss. As a work associate of Leroy for over 25 years, Leroy helped me at a time when I needed support from a friend and he was there. His strength and courage helped me to deal with health issues we were both dealing with at the same time. He will be in my thoughts forever.
Reginald Houston
left a message on May 28, 2025:
It is with deep sadness to acknowledge the passing of Leroy Motton. For over twenty-seven years, Leroy has been a pillar of strength and positivity in our workplace, always ready with kind words and support. My heart goes out to Rosita,Romique, and the entire Motton Family during this incredibly difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions:if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also. " John 14:1-3(KJV)
Respectfully,
Reggie Houston
Kristi Slowinski
left a message on May 27, 2025:
Thoughts and prayers are with Rosita, LeSean, Romique and family. Leroy was a wonderful next door neighbor. He always said, “hello” with a genuine smile. I enjoyed his laughter.
Gayle Steverson
left a message on May 27, 2025:
What a man,what a man ! I had a good cry because Leroy was a true gentleman. I worked at the steelmill for 27 yrs until they shut down J&L/LTV WEST SIDE. I was a foreman the blast furnace and I met this handsome, gentle big smile man,who will always always have a place in my heart. Thank you Leroy for making me laugh !
Gary olbrysh
left a message on May 27, 2025:
In memory of Leroy Motton, Gary olbrysh lit a candle
Randy L Pratt
left a message on May 27, 2025:
One of the good ones going to miss u roy
Patricia A. Schafer
left a message on May 26, 2025:
Rossita, LeSean, Romica,
We are so sorry to hear about LeRoy. You all were great neighbors when we lived in Solon. We are praying for all of you. Love, Pat and Ken
Ken Schafer
left a message on May 26, 2025:
Blessings to the family: especially Sean…
Roslyn Garner
left a message on May 26, 2025:
To the Motton family,
Roslyn Garner and family extend our most sincere condolences and prayers 🙏🙏🙏to you for the loss of Leroy. He was truly loved by all who knew him.
Roslyn Garner
Nick Pugliese
left a message on May 23, 2025:
This poem was given to us when we lost our daughter. Leroy was my brother.
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
All my love, Nick Pugliese
Ricardo Andre Seals
left a message on May 23, 2025:
Gone but not forgotten. Deepest condolences to the family..
Marcus F. Shy Sr.
left a message on May 23, 2025:
Jehovah is powerful... Even more than this unforseen circumstance... We all will see one another again... Please accept my condolences!
Carl F. Neubeck
left a message on May 23, 2025:
I hope this message finds you surrounded by strength and compassion. Leroy was loved at work by many. I can't imagine what you must be going through, but I wanted you to know my thoughts are with you. Please accept my condolences.
Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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