Edwin Lamar Leggett, 92, a true Southern gentleman to all who knew him, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
Services are at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 at Greenwood Delta Funeral Home with his nephew Rev. Danny Smith officiating. Interment is at Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale. Visitation is from noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service.
A veteran and career educator, Mr. Leggett also known as “Hot” or “Big Hot” by many, was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend.
As an active member of St. John’s United Methodist Church for over 50 years, Mr. Leggett served on various committees and led as a Sunday school teacher. He was a charter member of Twin Rivers Recreation, served as president of the Lions Club, and president of the Rotary Club of Moorhead. He found immense joy spending time with family, serving the Lord, keeping up with former students, nurturing his garden, and following the Ole Miss Rebels.
Lamar was born on August 28, 1931, in Noxubee County, MS. He graduated from Dublin High School in 1949.
In 1953, he graduated from the University of Mississippi, married his high school sweetheart Barbara, and began his career in education at West Tallahatchie High School. During his time at Ole Miss, he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and a letterwinner on the Ole Miss Baseball Team and a member of the M Club.
He was drafted during the Korean War in 1954 and served in the US Army at Fort Jackson as a medic.
Upon his return, he completed a Master of Education in 1959 from the University of Mississippi and earned his Educational Specialist degree from Delta State University in 1976.
Throughout his 40-year career in education, he served as a devoted teacher, coach, and principal at West Tallahatchie High School, West Tallahatchie Academy, Delta Academy, Pillow Academy, and Mississippi Delta Community College.
He was awarded the Valley Forge Classroom Teacher’s Medal in 1959 and served as the president of Delta Valley Conference in 1967-1968.
Mr. Leggett was a man of great character who made a profound impact on countless students’ lives. As a fine educator and true mentor, he guided many to become responsible and respectful individuals. His caring nature and exemplary leadership inspired many. He was incredibly proud of all of his students and found great joy keeping up with their accomplishments and reconnecting with them in the community and at numerous alumni events.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Nell House Leggett; his parents, Mr. & Mrs. T.E. Leggett; his sister and brother-in-law, Robert and Jeanette Leggett Mullen; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Margaret House.
As the beloved family cornerstone, Mr. Leggett, known dearly to his family and friends as “Big Hot” leaves behind a large and loving family who will cherish his memory.
He is survived by his son Ed Leggett (Brenda) of New Albany, MS; three daughters, Helen Russell (Philip) of Brandon, MS, LaNelle Weems (Bill) of Brandon, MS, and Lessie Love (Jay) of Atlanta, GA; two sisters-in-law, Mona Long (the late Dr. Albert Long) of San Antonio, TX and Sally Smith (the late Rev. Jack Smith) of Grenada, MS. He is survived by 8 grandchildren, Carley Cryer (Justin) of Geismar, LA, Andrew Russell (Mollie) of Jackson, MS, Matthew Weems (Tiffany) of Tullahoma, TN, Morgan Weems (Morgan) of Brandon, MS, Haley Guntharp (Harvey) of New Albany, MS, Trey Leggett of New Albany, MS, Lauren Love of Atlanta, GA, and Jack Love of Atlanta, GA; and nine great grandchildren, Anderson and Arrahbella Cryer of Geismar, LA; Grayden, Colton, and Kipton Guntharp of New Albany, MS; Eloise and Adeline Weems of Brandon, MS; Miles and Sam Russell of Jackson, MS. He is also survived by host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Russell, Justin Cryer, Matthew Weems, Trey Leggett, Harvey Guntharp, Jimbo Griffin, Morgan Weems, and Jack Love.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Hospital of Mississippi, Office of Development, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 39216, or St. John’s United Methodist Church 1001 Grand Blvd, Greenwood. Greenwood Delta Funeral Home (www.greenwooddeltafh.com) is in charge of arrangements.
