Charles W. Leigh Jr.

Charles Wilcox Leigh, Jr., 90, of Houston, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2025, following an extended illness. He passed peacefully in his sleep, embraced by his family's love.

Born on February 21, 1935, Charles was the son of the late Charles Wilcox Leigh and Virginia Neville Leigh. He grew up alongside his cherished sisters, the late Virginia Neville Wiggins (Dan) and Patricia Leigh Brown (Preston). He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sheryl Leigh Heard.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Candy Leigh, who always remained faithfully by his side; together sharing in life's joys and challenges. Throughout their forty-three-year marriage, Charles and Candy were a shining example to their family (and anyone who met them) of how to have a loving, successful marriage. Even when working, they began each day enjoying a cup of coffee together, but only after Charles gently woke Candy with a backrub.

He is also survived by his son, Charles Wilcox Leigh III (Shannon Schrader), stepdaughter, Wendy Thomas (Ron), stepson, Tim Schubert (Cindy) and son-in-law, Stephen Heard.

His greatest joy was being "Grampy" to his grandchildren: Christopher Heard (Kaylee), Allison Heard (Elijah), Lauren Heard, Erika Stockberger (Dylan), Russell Thomas (Clarissa), Travis Schubert, Amanda Schubert, Jessica Schubert, Savannah Schubert, and Great-Grandchildren Aliyah, Percy, Eleanor, Dawson and Julie Bea as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by his first wife, Nancy Leigh Cahill, and by many lifelong friends who enriched his journey.

A man of deep faith, Charles was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where he faithfully served as a member of the vestry, and later as junior warden and senior warden. Charles especially enjoyed being an active participant in the liturgy as a lay reader and at the eucharist as a "chalice bearer".

A lifelong Houstonian, Charles graduated from Lamar High School in 1953. He continued his education at The University of Houston, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While attending UofH, he was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and served in the Air Force Reserves. Charles enjoyed a successful business career, retiring in 1999 from Ferro Union Corporation after serving as treasurer and controller.

In retirement Charles kept his mind active working closely with his son, Charles (III), as a trusted advisor and mentor, while also assuming the duties of controller for Charles' businesses.

"Retirement" for Charles was never idle. Soon after retiring, he lovingly cared for his stepdaughter, Wendy, as she fought and overcame cancer, and more recently, for his daughter, Sheryl, during her courageous but ultimately losing battle with breast cancer. He served as a volunteer with Helping Hands and dedicated his time to You Can Academy in North Richmond, mentoring children in an after-school program. He enjoyed playing golf with the Pecan Grove Senior Men's Golf group, lunches with the ROMEO group (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and treasured many adventures traveling with family and friends.

Throughout his life, Charles radiated a genuine warmth that put everyone around him at ease. Above all, Charles will be remembered for his steadfast love of family, his deep faith in God, his generosity toward others, and the quiet strength and wisdom that guided him in all endeavors. He was the true patriarch of his family, leading with love, humility, and faith-and he inspired others through the way he lived.

Charles will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Memorial services will be Saturday, November 1, 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman Street, Houston, Texas. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Fellowship Hall. Flowers or memorial contributions in honor of Charles' life may be directed to Trinity Episcopal Church.