Leroy Reuben Boykin

 Leroy Reuben Boykin, first born son to the late Gertrude and Reuben “Snash” Boykin, was born January 11, 1950 in Sumpter, South Carolina. Affectionately known as “L. Reuben”, he was tenacious and full of energy,and would light up a room with his bright smile and strong voice. He transitioned peacefully from his earthly life on July 3, 2024 after a brief illness. 

As a young child, L. Reuben was given the nickname “Rabbit”. During his primary years, he was exceptionally smart, extremely inquisitive and an impressive debater. Family and friends alike all knew that you could not out-argue Rabbit—perhaps a foreshadowing to his future career as an attorney. L. Reuben moved to Philadelphia as a young boy and attended Stoddart Fleisher Middle School. L. Reuben always demonstrated a great love for family, and he briefly moved back to Sumpter to care for his step-grandmother after the passing of his maternal grandfather. He returned to Philadelphia to attend Benjamin Franklin High School and graduated in 1968.

After graduating high school, L. Reuben joined the United States Air Force, and was honorably discharged after nearly four years of service. After completing his duties in the Air Force, he attended the Ohio State University and within three years, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. L. Reube n’s childhood passion for debate and superb oratory skills would not go unused. After graduating from the Ohio State University, he earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Capital University Law School in 1980. He enjoyed a successful practice in criminal law for many years. Years later after practicing law, L. Reuben returned to his first love—independent long distance truck driving, which he maintained until the time of his passing. 

During his time at Ohio State University, L. Reuben met and married Judy Sloan and became dad to stepdaughter Juanita. Later, the couple joyously welcomed a son, Abasi, in 1976. In 1985, L. Reuben married Jennese Kee and enthusiastically embraced the role of dad to twin bonus sons—Shane and Shawn, and everything that encompasses the role of being a father to them. At the onset of meeting them, L. Reuben was intentional about having a role in transitioning them from boys to men. He taught them practical life lessons, from sports to auto maintenance. The following year, they delightfully welcomed their daughter, Aisha, whom he affectionally called his “baby girl”. He thoroughly loved spoiling his baby girl and even in her adult life never ceased protecting, providing, and loving her. 

L. Reuben had an enormous heart, with a matching voice as huge as his love for others. He was an avid reader and loved to bowl. He maintained a healthy desire for learning new things and was an awesome storyteller. To know L. Reuben is to know a man who was incredibly caring, compassionate, and encouraging to others. He enriched the lives of so many and will truly be missed.

L. Reuben leaves to cherish his love and memory: daughter, Aisha Boykin, sons, Abasi Boykin and Shawn Riggins, stepdaughter Juanita (Darin) DeGraffinreed ;grandchildren, Keiairra Morris, Daquane Boykin; Joshua (Tiani) Riggins, Shanice Riggins, and Kyren Riggins; siblings, Rosa Woods, Perry (Gwen) Boykin, Gloria Wright, Elizabeth “Betty” Boykin-Ransom, Cynthia Hightower, Darlene Boykin, Curtis “Butch” DeLoatche, and Frances Kalina DeLoatche; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and friends. L. Reuben was preceded in death by his son, Shane Riggins; nephew, Reuben Haskins; and niece, Christina Wright.