Rayford "R.C" Leggett

Rayford Claude (R.C.) Leggett passed away on April 7, 2017 surrounded by his family in his home in Laurel at the age of 87. He was born May 3, 1929 in Copiah County, was raised in Brookhaven, MS., and moved to Laurel in 1955. He was preceded in death by his parents W.P. and Mary Leggett. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Tommie Lee Smith Leggett, his daughter Debra Leggett, his daughter Rose Leggett Alman and her husband Ferrell of Gulfport; grandchildren Ferrell Alman, Jr and his wife Koral, and Olivia Alman, and his granddog Beauty. His formal education was very brief. He learned by doing what he loved. As a little boy he would play in the dirt with an old iron and make roads in the dirt. So naturally he began his career with the Highway Department building roads. He was proud to leave and serve his country in the Korean War in active battle as a Sergeant in the 23rd Infantry Regiment in the 2nd Infantry Division fighting in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. He returned to work with the Highway Department for a brief time before he was hired by A.A.Bush where he began working at A.A. Bush Contractor in 1953. The business became Bush Construction Company and he continued on working with Harry and James Wray Bush. He enjoyed working on a motor grader and learned by doing. From motor grader operator to Superintendent of the company, he enjoyed every step of the way. This was his job, his hobby and his family. He continued with the company as part of it was sold to Dunn Roadbuilders. After 56 years with the company he retired at age 80. After retirement you could see him working in his yard most days, visiting with his neighbors on Broadmoor Drive, and caring for his wife. He had a deep love for his family and was a shining example of unselfish devotion to all who knew him. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Laurel. He enjoyed life and he said he was ready to see Jesus. What a true honor it was to have him as a husband, father and grandfather. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to First United Methodist Church of Laurel, 420 N. 5th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 11:30 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with a visitation for family and friends from 10:00 am until the service. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Rayford "R.C" Leggett

May 3, 1929 - April 7, 2017