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Edward Leroy Durham, also known as Leroy, was born to the late Mary Rose and Benjamin Durham on September 3, 1950 in East Moriches, New York. He attended schools in Center Moriches and Bellport, New York. He married his wife of 49 years, Mary Turpin on September 6, 1969. From this union they have three wonderful children. Leroy was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. In his younger years, he enjoyed traveling, working on cars, drag racing, bowling and playing spades. In addition, Leroy was a member of Bellport Against Drugs (BAD) task force, where he was a well-respected member of the community. During his later years, he fell in love with a comfortable spot on the couch and his remote control, while he watched cartoons and old westerns. For most of his career, Leroy worked as a heavy equipment operator and was a highly skilled auto mechanic. He retired from Brookhaven National Laboratory in December 2012 after 30 years of service as a heavy equipment mechanic operator. After his retirement, he continued to pursue his hobby as a part-time comedian, where he typically practiced his new jokes at family functions. 😊 Memories of Leroy will always be cherished by his wife, three children: Edward Jr. of Charlotte, NC, Derrick of East Patchogue, NY, and Shavonna of the Bronx, NY. 9 Grandchildren: Aundrea, Denae, Dymond, Caitlyn, Terry, Sabrina, Joseph, Lexianna and Noah. 5 Brothers: Frank Durham (Edessye) of Patchogue, NY, Lewis Durham of East Patchogue, NY, Benjamin Durham (Marion) of Coram, NY, Joseph Durham of Holbrook, NY and Calvin Durham of East Patchogue, NY. 3 Sisters: Frankie Greene of Coram, NY, Lillian Durham also of Coram, NY, and Kim Green of Manning, SC. Also, Leroy was preceded in death by sisters Rosetta and Sallie Jean Durham. 5 Brother-in-laws: Lewis Turpin, Paul Turpin, George Turpin, John Turpin (Sue), and Abraham Turpin (Josephine). 3 Sister in laws: Celia Mae Johnson, Eliza Mayo, and Dollie Nash (Alvin). 2 God children: Corrintha Dozier and Curtis Edwards. 1 Aunt: Cora Plummer, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Turner Family considered Leroy as a brother; often lovingly referring to him as “brother-cousin.”

Tributes

Edward Leroy Durham Sr.

September 3, 1950 - March 21, 2019