James Lewis Leggett

James Lewis Leggett of Spring Hope, NC, passed away at home March 10, 2024. Born into a Christian Home to Jimmy and Ruby Leggett on August 26, 1943 in Bertie County, James was their first and only son. He attended school in Bertie County, graduating from Bertie High School, where he excelled in basketball. James was helping his father farm at a very young age but he pursued a career with Carolina Telephone Company until he was drafted into the Army in 1966. He served his country in Vietnam achieving the rank Spec. 5. After his military service he returned to the telephone company and over the years he rose in rank from Lineman to Outside Plant Manager. He left Carolina in 1980 to work for the telephone contractor Southern Bell in Raleigh, NC. In 2000 he joined the staff Summit Engineering as a Highway Inspector and continued with Summit until his retirement in 2007.

Known affectionately as "Papa" Leggett to all who knew him, James was an avid UNC basketball fan. He was an everyday presence at Leggett Farms for many years, assisting his son and daughter-in-law in whatever capacity where he was needed and always with a drink or a snack for anyone in need. He ate lunch almost everyday at Highway 55 in Nashville where he met many of his friends. His ready smile and sweet nature made everyone he came in contact with happy to see him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

James was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael Douglas and his infant grandson, Evan Michael Davis. James leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 31 years, Peggy Leggett, his daughter Jamie Davis and her partner Roland Allen of Farmville; his son Brent Leggett (Susan) of Nashville; his sister Shirley Manning of Lewiston; his son by marriage Alex of Wilmington; the mother of his children, Kay Leggett of Nashville; and his grandchildren; Bailey Davis, Colin Leggett, and Carter Leggett, and all of the employees of Leggett Farms who loved him like a Papa.

James has requested a Military Service to be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Nashville, NC. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm with a visitation with family and friends to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Mission Outreach Program at First Baptist Church, where he is a member.

Cornerstone Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Leggett family and words of comfort may be shared at www.cornerstonefuneralhomeandcremations.com Cornerstone Funeral Home 1052 South First Street, Nashville, NC 27856.