Ernest L. McLeod Sr.

Ernest L. McLeod, Sr., 85, husband of Elaine H. McLeod, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his home.

Born June 27, 1940, in Lee County, he was a son of the late Leroy and Lillian McLeod. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Rembert and retired from DuPont after 25 years of service. He loved to hunt, especially deer and turkey hunting. He was a Mason and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years; step-daughters, Cyndi Heriot Baker (Ricky), Melissa Heriot Burke, and Carol Amerson (Eddie); grandchildren, Brandon Burke (Mandy), Bradley Burke, Sarah-Katherine Burke Reaves (Jake), Jack Burke, Johnny Amerson (Hannah), and Carson Baker (Chandler); six great-grandchildren; a brother, Roger Brock (Lora); and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Ernest L. "Buddy" McLeod, Jr.; siblings, Bainard McLeod, James McLeod, and Mildred Dowdrick; and a niece, Jeanette Cope.

Funeral services will be held at 4 P.M. Friday, March 6, 2026, at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Clint Spear officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brandon Burke, Bradley Burke, Jack Burke, Carson Baker, Jake Reaves, and Johnny Amerson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Douglas McLeod, Carey Cook, and Eddie Amerson.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 P.M. Friday at New Hope Baptist Church and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, c/o Harriett Troublefield, 1690 Stuckeytown Rd., Rembert, SC 29128.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.