LEROY STEVE BAXLEY
Leroy Steve Baxley, 73, of Baxley passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah.
Mr. Baxley, born March 2, 1952, in Hazlehurst, was the son of the late Earnest Leroy Baxley and the late Catherine Mildred Carter Baxley. He was a devoted member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church and built a remarkable career traveling the world in the leak sealing industry. A man who truly loved to work, he “retired” five times—always finding his way back to the job he enjoyed.
In recent years, he served as a valued and respected dispatcher for Appling County 911, where his steady presence and dedication made a lasting impact. Outside of work, he was an avid sports fan, especially loyal to University of Georgia football and NASCAR. More recently, he had developed a growing love for Appling County Lady Pirate basketball.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Allen Baxley.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Shelia Baxley; daughter, Kathy Baxley; son, Brian (Aubrey) Baxley; grandchildren, Jala Baxley, Colin Jarrett, Lexi Jarrett, Jones Baxley and Terry Boddie; and special family friends, Maeson Williams and Ed Jarrett.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church with the Rev. Barry Teutsch, Rev. Wayne Williamson and Rev. C. J. Keister officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Gene Davis, Henry Alderman, Scottie Tanner, Joey Coleman, Jeff Evans, Ed Jarrett, Colin Jarrett and Jones Baxley.
Honorary pallbearers were the Appling County High School Class of 1970, the 1966-1970 Appling County Pirate Football Teams, and the staff of Appling County 911.
Musical selections were rendered by the Friendship Congregational Christian Church Choir.
Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
