LEONARD "LM, JR." MATTHEW SEARLES, JR.

Mr. Leonard Matthew Searles, Jr., affectionately known by most as L.M., Jr., departed this life and entered into Eternal Rest on July 12, 2026.

L.M., Jr. was born on August 23, 1946, to the late Leonard Matthew Searles, Sr. (L.M.) and the late Cleo Jones Searles in Lincoln County, Georgia. L.M., Jr. was raised in a strong, loving home and grew up in the Double Branches, Maxim and Black Jack Community all of Lincoln County, GA. L.M., Jr. was the 9th of 14 children – 8 of which preceded him in death, 7 sisters: Gretrude, Elease, Minnie, Frances, Mary, Ethel, Rebecca, and 1 brother Jerome.

L.M., Jr. attended and received his education at the Mulberry School and the Lincoln County Training School.

L.M., Jr. accepted the Lord as His personal Savior at an early age and joined the Mulberry CME Church. He also attended and worshipped at Solmon Pool Deliverance Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Peggy Zellars.

L.M., Jr. married the Love of His Life, Loutricia Martin Searles. Upon this Union, 4 children were born—Gwendolyn, Elaine, Leonard, and Patrick. He moved his family to New Jersey for better job opportunities, higher wages, and exposing His Family to the city atmosphere, amongst some of his other siblings and their families.

In the early 1980’s, L.M., Jr. moved his family back to his hometown where he continued to work as a Dedicated Truck Driver.

L.M., Jr. worked for more than 60 years employed by Pollard Lumber Company, Wards Trucking, Jones Trucking, and PPS Express as a Dedicated Trucker—from hauling pulpwood, logs, lumber and chippings, to transporting heavy duty equipment, and delivering general freight and merchandise in van boxes. L.M. Jr.’s CB Handle/Name was “Baby Maker.”

L.M., Jr. was Blessed to have traveled across the entire United States of America and parts of Canada as he delivered goods to its assigned destination. He traveled miles that we could never imagine or calculate. L.M., Jr. was faithful and never wavered on his fulfilling his duties as a Trucker.

L.M., Jr. had one of the most distinctive personalities in this world. He had pet names for every family member, most friends, and others. Also, one must be prepared for what He was going to say to you as he saw you. Most of the time he would be humorous, but other times he shared his real, truthful thoughts whether you liked it or not.

L.M., Jr. had numerous hobbies including dancing, fishing, hunting, watching TV and football games. And to those who knew him, knows that EATING was HIS FAVORITE!!!

L.M., Jr. and Loutricia were married for 56 years, having a very unique relationship. This couple had a favorite song that they loved to dance to showing their love and affection for one another (soon disappeared from the crowd) and other dances were the 2-step and swing-dancing, showing out for the crowd in their youth and seasoned age.

L.M., Jr. was a Family Man that loved, not only his Searles/Jones Family, but his Martin Family as well. He was not present at all family and community functions, but he supported the cause from afar. If he was present, he would surely demand one to fix His plate while he accompanied his “White Girl” and cup.

L.M., Jr. supported and loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in a special way, and one of which was raised in the home, preceded him in Death, Lakendra “Tay” Elam.

L.M., Jr. leaves behind a Strong Foundation and Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Truckers through his Sons and Grandsons— Leonard, Patrick at PPS Express Owner, Operator, Jatheus at JDJ Hauling Owner, Operator, Tray, Jatoyaus, Payton, and copilot Eric Bridges.

They all understood the Assignment as the scripture states: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.” Thessalonians 3:10

L.M., Jr. taught many valuable lessons and left so many precious memories that will never fade nor part from us. “Baby Maker” signing out.

Those left to cherish and honor L.M., Jr. memories are his wife—Loutricia Martin Searles, 2 daughters—Gwendolyn (Wilburn) Jones of Lincolnton, GA, Elaine (Timothy) Wynn of Grovetown, GA; 2 sons—Leonard Matthew Searles III of Atlanta, GA, Patrick (Ne’quan) Searles of Lincolnton, GA; 14 Grandchildren—Jatheus (Alisha), Jatoyaus (Bree’Anna), Lakeitha, Travyn, Tyeven, Jasmine (Jafabian), LaNiya, Dormeisha, Madison, Alexus, Payton, Payslei, Preston, Eric; 18 Great-Grandchildren—Jordan, Morgan, Aiden, Karcyn, Justus, Jacob, Jeremiah, Jatoyaus, Jr., Jehnoah, Bryn’lei, Bre’lei, Taj, Tru, Dallas, Chloe, Blake, Princeton, Naomi; 3 Godchildren—Taylor, Javon, LaTron; 3 sisters—Joann (Sherman) Norman of Evans, Ga, Glenda (Jesse) Elam and Laverne Smith, both of Lincolnton, GA; 2 brothers—Douglas Searles of Lincolnton, GA, Roy W. (Heather) Searles of Augusta, GA; 3 Aunts—Bessie Williams of Atlanta, GA, Blanche Jones of Fresnos, California, Daisy Jones of Lincolnton, GA; 1 Sister-in-law Lillie Mae Knotts; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, cousins, and friends.