Leroy Harry "Roy" Grant, a visionary entrepreneur, civil rights advocate, and devoted family man, passed away on May 26, 2025, in Mt. Vernon, New York. He was 87 years old.
Born on May 3, 1938, in Andrews, South Carolina, to Evelina and Harry Grant, Roy's journey was marked by determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to uplifting his community. He accepted Christ at an early age and carried his faith with him throughout his life.
Roy's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—by the age of five he had already begun working, and by sixteen he had established a shoe shine stand and purchased his first property. At eighteen, he bought his first Cadillac and drove it from the East Coast to the West Coast—a bold expression of independence and ambition that would define his life.
He completed his education in the Philadelphia school system, where he met his high school sweetheart, affectionately known as Sis. From that union came two children: Veretta and Troy. Later in life, Roy met and married the love of his life, Gloria. Together they raised three children: Kia, Llynn, and Lee.
Roy's passion for justice and equality led him to march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Ralph Abernathy during the historic Freedom March in Washington, D.C. His activism extended into economic empowerment—he was instrumental in spearheading Progress Plaza in Philadelphia alongside Rev. Leon Sullivan in the late 1960s. As the first African American-owned strip mall in the United States, Progress Plaza provided training in trade skills for Black Americans. Within this pioneering space, Roy and Gloria opened LEKIGEE's Boutique—a family business that reflected their shared entrepreneurial vision.
In the early 1970s, Roy moved with Gloria and their three children to Riverdale, New York. He soon set his sights on Harlem's bustling Lenox Avenue and 125th Street—just steps from the iconic Apollo Theater—where he launched another business venture. His eldest son Troy joined him during summers to help run the family enterprise. Roy played a significant role in Harlem's redevelopment efforts; his early contributions laid groundwork that would later support revitalization initiatives during the Clinton administration.
Roy eventually settled in Mt. Vernon and became a dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church. He was baptized there alongside his youngest son Lee and remained an active member for over two decades.
Throughout his life, Roy continued to pursue ventures that empowered others. In Jamaica Queens, he partnered with the late Mr. Bostic to support real estate development and luxury vehicle leasing—helping many secure mortgages before traditional credit scoring systems were widely used. Known as "The Credit King," Roy taught countless individuals how to build creditworthiness and invest wisely in their futures.
Later in life, Roy founded "The Helping Foundation for Seniors," a nonprofit organization advocating for senior citizens' rights within his community—a testament to his enduring commitment to service.
Beyond business and activism, Roy found joy in music and movement. He loved gospel music, jazz, salsa dancing, and traveling. Above all else, he cherished his family deeply. He maintained close relationships with Gloria and each of his five children—Veretta, Troy, Kia, Llynn, and Lee—and always remembered holidays with calls or thoughtful gestures.
Roy leaves behind a legacy rooted in love and leadership. He is remembered by his five children; three sons-in-law: Butch, Tyrone, and Kevin; four grandchildren: Nikki, Tai, Konner, and Kelsey; three great-grandchildren through Nikki: Larry, Manir, and Nasir; a host of extended family members and friends; and a special caretaker whom he considered a daughter—Roma Clarke
.
Among the many challenges Roy faced during his lifetime was advocating tirelessly for help for his eldest son Troy during four+ decades of long incarceration—a testament to Roy's unwavering dedication as a father.
The family of Leroy Harry Grant extends heartfelt gratitude for all acts of kindness shown during this time of loss. Your calls, prayers, support, and presence have been deeply appreciated.
May the memory of Leroy (Roy) Grant continue to inspire those who knew him—and may his legacy of empowerment live on through the lives he touched.
Born on May 3, 1938, in Andrews, South Carolina, to Evelina and Harry Grant, Roy's journey was marked by determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to uplifting his community. He accepted Christ at an early age and carried his faith with him throughout his life.
Roy's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—by the age of five he had already begun working, and by sixteen he had established a shoe shine stand and purchased his first property. At eighteen, he bought his first Cadillac and drove it from the East Coast to the West Coast—a bold expression of independence and ambition that would define his life.
He completed his education in the Philadelphia school system, where he met his high school sweetheart, affectionately known as Sis. From that union came two children: Veretta and Troy. Later in life, Roy met and married the love of his life, Gloria. Together they raised three children: Kia, Llynn, and Lee.
Roy's passion for justice and equality led him to march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Ralph Abernathy during the historic Freedom March in Washington, D.C. His activism extended into economic empowerment—he was instrumental in spearheading Progress Plaza in Philadelphia alongside Rev. Leon Sullivan in the late 1960s. As the first African American-owned strip mall in the United States, Progress Plaza provided training in trade skills for Black Americans. Within this pioneering space, Roy and Gloria opened LEKIGEE's Boutique—a family business that reflected their shared entrepreneurial vision.
In the early 1970s, Roy moved with Gloria and their three children to Riverdale, New York. He soon set his sights on Harlem's bustling Lenox Avenue and 125th Street—just steps from the iconic Apollo Theater—where he launched another business venture. His eldest son Troy joined him during summers to help run the family enterprise. Roy played a significant role in Harlem's redevelopment efforts; his early contributions laid groundwork that would later support revitalization initiatives during the Clinton administration.
Roy eventually settled in Mt. Vernon and became a dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church. He was baptized there alongside his youngest son Lee and remained an active member for over two decades.
Throughout his life, Roy continued to pursue ventures that empowered others. In Jamaica Queens, he partnered with the late Mr. Bostic to support real estate development and luxury vehicle leasing—helping many secure mortgages before traditional credit scoring systems were widely used. Known as "The Credit King," Roy taught countless individuals how to build creditworthiness and invest wisely in their futures.
Later in life, Roy founded "The Helping Foundation for Seniors," a nonprofit organization advocating for senior citizens' rights within his community—a testament to his enduring commitment to service.
Beyond business and activism, Roy found joy in music and movement. He loved gospel music, jazz, salsa dancing, and traveling. Above all else, he cherished his family deeply. He maintained close relationships with Gloria and each of his five children—Veretta, Troy, Kia, Llynn, and Lee—and always remembered holidays with calls or thoughtful gestures.
Roy leaves behind a legacy rooted in love and leadership. He is remembered by his five children; three sons-in-law: Butch, Tyrone, and Kevin; four grandchildren: Nikki, Tai, Konner, and Kelsey; three great-grandchildren through Nikki: Larry, Manir, and Nasir; a host of extended family members and friends; and a special caretaker whom he considered a daughter—Roma Clarke
.
Among the many challenges Roy faced during his lifetime was advocating tirelessly for help for his eldest son Troy during four+ decades of long incarceration—a testament to Roy's unwavering dedication as a father.
The family of Leroy Harry Grant extends heartfelt gratitude for all acts of kindness shown during this time of loss. Your calls, prayers, support, and presence have been deeply appreciated.
May the memory of Leroy (Roy) Grant continue to inspire those who knew him—and may his legacy of empowerment live on through the lives he touched.
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