1st SGT (Retired) Leroy Bookman, Sr.

Obituary

First Sergeant (1SG Retired) Leroy Bookman, Sr. was born on August 2, 1938 to the late Levi and Evelyn Bookman in Prosperity, South Carolina. He transitioned to Glory at 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

He graduated from Gallman High School and attend Allen University in Columbia, SC.  As a student, he participated with Allen University and Benedict College in the Civil Rights sit-in protests in Columbia and marches lead by Bishop James (AME Church).  Later, sit-ins resulted in two major Unites States Supreme Court cases that uphold the rights of demonstrators.  He also was the personal driver for Bishops James and Adamson during his tenure at Allen University.  On October 28,1960, Leroy was drafted in the United States Army. 

In 1985 after 25 years of service, he retired from the United States Army in the rank of First Sergeant.  During his tenure, 1SG Bookman was an Intelligence Specialist, Seaman, Drill Sergeant, Infantryman, Culinary Specialist, a Senior field leader as well as a First Sergeant.  1SG Bookman completed two tours of duty in Vietnam.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the V device 2 bronze oak leaf cluster; the Purple Heart; Air Medal; Army Commendation with two bronze oak leaf clusters with the letter “V” device; and the Army Achievement medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster.  He also earned the Good Conduct Medal 3rd award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman badge 1st award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign w/device, Expert Badge with rifle bar, Sharpshooter Badge with auto rifle bar, Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/silver star, and the Vietnam Staff Service medal.  Also, he was the 2019 recipient of the South Carolina Quilt of Valor.

First Sergeant Bookman was active in his community.  He was a member of the Combat Veterans Group, American Legion Post #219, Life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #6561, Masonic Lodge #243, Son of Aid #9, and a member of Hannah AME Church where he served as a Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, Lay President, Men’s Choir member and Usher during his tenure. 

Leroy was predeceased by his loving mother, Evelyn Bookman, his devoted father, Levi Bookman, three brothers, David, Eugene, and James Bookman as well as his loving son Leroy Bookman, Jr.

He is survived by the “Wind Beneath His Wings” and high school sweetheart, former Rozenia Mitchell, for 56 years.  To this union they were blessed with three devoted children:  LtCol (Retired) Melissa Bookman of Columbia, SC; Zelda (James) Simpson of Newberry, SC.

Also, to cherish his memories are his brothers Elmurray (Mary) Bookman and Terrence (Renita) Bookman of Prosperity, SC; his affectionate sisters, Donna Bookman of Kingwood, Texas and Belinda Williams of Hamilton, New Jersey; brothers-in-law, Larry Dewalt of Prosperity and George Dewalt of Columbia, SC; a sister-in-law, Lynn (Clyde) Thompson of Columbia, SC, and a daughter-in-law Tasha Bookman.

Those left to celebrate his legacy of love are his grandchildren:  Zachery (Tomeka) Bookman of Columbia, SC; Gloria Barnes of Charlotte, NC; Tarrio Rikard of Newberry, SC; Demertia Williams of Newberry, SC; Dominique (Tiffany) Bookman of Greenwood, SC; Telvis Rikard of Newberry, SC; Alexis Bookman (Rodney) Dudley of Prosperity, SC and Shanavia Willingham of Newberry, SC.  He also leaves nine great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and devoted friends.

Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Fred B. Pratt Memorial Chapel in Pratt Funeral Home.  The burial will follow service at 2:00 pm at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina with full military honors.  All in attendance are required to wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing.  The viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021 at the Fred B. Pratt Memorial Chapel. 

Services will be streamed through Facebook via this link: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/403825953419918/?ref=sh

 Service Information