Edwin Neel "Ned" LeGard Jr.

1938 - 2025

Edwin Neel "Ned" LeGard Jr.

May 21, 1938 - February 10, 2025

Edwin Neel "Ned" LeGard Jr., 86, of Roanoke, VA, went to meet his Savior on Monday, February 10, 2025.

Ned was born in Marion, VA on May 21, 1938. He was a proud Eagle Scout, a graduate of Marion High School, spent two years at Virginia Tech, then graduated from Emory and Henry College in 1961.

He went on to become a Nuclear Weapons Specialist in the United States Navy. He served in the "W" Division aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier in the early 60s, including during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then went on to serve another two decades in the Naval Reserves. During his Navy career he was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal during the Falklands Island crisis, along with both the Expert Pistol Medal and the Expert Rifle Medal. He was also, very proudly, part of the Navy Glee Club, performing throughout Europe. If you knew Ned, you knew he absolutely loved to sing. He retired as a Commander after 22 years.

Early in his civilian career, he was a stockbroker, then started his own oil and gas company, LeGard Petroleum. He then went on to work for many years as a financial advisor for Crestar/SunTrust Bank, gaining a reputation for taking extra care of his clients. He retired as Vice President in 2003.

Ned was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke, where he served his church as sound and lighting engineer for many years, and also sang in the choir.

He loved running marathons, trips to the beach and Smith Mountain Lake, playing the piano, and being involved in many community groups including on the board of his homeowner's association.

Commander LeGard was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Neel LeGard Sr. and Louise Johnston LeGard, as well as his two brothers, Sam and Walt LeGard. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Susie LeGard; his daughters, Lacy LeGard, Renee Wagner (Chris), and Nicole Lenderking (Troy); and his five grandchildren, Hunter LeGard( Kassidy), Chase, Katie Clark and Finn Wagner, and Jack Lenderking.

Many thanks to the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center for the wonderful care they provided during Ned's last few months.

The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Faith Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park with Military Honors by the United States Navy. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131