Dr. George Elis Leggett

1943-2008

Dr. George Elis Leggett, 64, of McComb, died June 10, 2008. Visitation is 4 p.m. Thursday at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb until services there at 6 p.m. Dr. David Millican will officiate. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery.

Dr. Leggett was born in 1943, in Poplarville, to Howard Ray and Edna Mitchell Leggett.

He was a man of many talents. In 2003, he retired from Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, where he worked as a NASA contractor in the office of spatial technologies. Before that, he was employed by McComb Public Schools as vocational director and assistant superintendent. He ended his career in McComb as superintendent.

Along with his wife, Kay, he lived and worked in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, serving as training superintendent with Aramco, and worked as the assistant superintendent of education at Moss Point Schools. Before becoming an educator, Dr. Leggett held several positions. He was the only graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi who was immediately hired by IBM, a much-coveted job at that time. When his father became ill, he took over the family building supply business. He later managed a clothing store in Poplarville, and during his high school years, he was even a radio announcer.

Aside from his professional career, Dr. Leggett was a “jack of all trades” with many interests. He was a gourmet cook, often surprising friends and neighbors with treats and goodies. After retiring, he fell in love with his tractor and most weeks he could be found mowing his yard and neighbors’ yards. He loved projects, building things and helping people.
But for all of his wit and sophistication Dr. Leggett’s family said he was, always in his heart, the proud son of a Pearl River County carpenter and his devoutly Christian wife. His parents provided George, his older brother Ray, and his older sisters Catherine and Barbara with the kind of upbringing that is seldom found in today’s world of gray areas and half measures.

His family said he learned how to be hard-headed but fair, and the importance of community and respect. He impressed his values on everyone he met, not by preaching, but by example. He was able to command respect because he gave it back in abundance, and he inspired generosity because he always remembered and valued the generosity of others.

His son, Brad, said that he was the most honest man he ever knew. “We all wish he hadn’t had to go home so soon.”

He leaves to his wife Kay, daughters Ali and Monica, and son Brad a strength that will carry them for the rest of their days.
“Though he is now in Heaven, he will always exist in the living memory of countless friends and loved ones who will never forget him,” his family said. “He truly wanted the people around him to be happy and to have a good time. His greatest joy was making people laugh and making them feel at home. He was giving and hilarious, and a man like that will never be alone, no matter on what plane of existence he might find himself.”

Survivors include his wife, Kay of McComb; a son, Brad and his girlfriend Erin of Hattiesburg; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ali and Ryan Rupp of Bay St. Louis, and Monica and Tobias Kraut and their children, Garrett and Kara of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Barbara Huet and husband Bob and their children David, Lori, Rob and their families of Baton Rouge; a sister, Catherine Hall and her son Stephen and his family of Huntsville, Ala.; brother, Ray Leggett of Baton Rouge; sister-in-law, Judy Ware and husband Mike of Martinsville, Va.; niece, Meghan Ware of Charlotte, N.C.; wonderful friends, Vic and Mary Beth Donati and their children Victor, Tim, Tyler and their families, Neal Randall and Betsy Wall, and numerous other colleagues and friends.

Memorials may be sent to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 16808, Jackson, MS 39236 or a charity of choice.

Condolence Book
jane/joe Williams - Marietta, Ga

We were so sorry to hear of the death of George. We only met him once when our daughter Britt and Ali decided to room together at MSU. We liked him instantly. A prayer has been said for the family. Much love

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