JAMES HARRY LEGGETT,
JR., of Little Rock, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away at home May 18th, surrounded by family. Harry was a member of the St. James United Methodist Church where he was active in many church organizations including chairing the Administrative Board. He was a life member of the Scimitar Shrine (50-year award), member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 12 and of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32nd degree (50-year award). An avid hunter and fisherman, he had a great love for nature and the outdoors which took him on many adventures through the years.
Harry attended Little Rock public schools, graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tenn., where he lettered in track, wrestling and football. He also attended Tulane University, graduated from the Sam Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and attended Arkansas Law School from 1958 -1961.
He was the former president and CEO of Griffin Leggett Companies, which included Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home in Little Rock, Rest Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery in North Little Rock, Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs, and Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander. He was also CEO of Arkansas National Life Insurance Company.
Harry was community-minded, receiving recognition for serving in several community organizations, including CARTI, Easter Seals, and Lions World Services for the Blind, where he received the Order of Silver Cane for outstanding service and support to the blind. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Club International and was a founding member of Park Plaza Lions Club with perfect attendance for 50 years.
He was named Arkansas Funeral Director of the year 19931994, and was a lifetime licensee of the Arkansas State Board of Embalming and Funeral Directing. He co-founded and was former President of the Arkansas Association of Life Companies and was a Vice-Chairman of the Arkansas Life and Health Guaranty association. He was also inducted into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame in 1990.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan Earls Leggett; his sons, Dr. James Harry Leggett III (Dr. Randi) of Medina Wash., Brad Leggett of Little Rock, and Jeb Leggett (Tracie) of Mt. Vernon; sisters, Nancy Leggett Rorex and BJ Leggett Chick of Little Rock; eight grandchildren, Michelle Leggett Latsko (Alex) of Tampa, Fla., Lindsay Leggett-Stone (Ryan) of Wilmington, N.C., Elizabeth Leggett Brockinton (Brock) of Little Rock, Matt Leggett (Lauren) of Marina del Rey, Calif., Lauren Leggett Eldridge (Justin) of Little Rock, Sam Leggett of San Diego, Calif., Kendall Leggett of Dallas, Texas, and Joshua Leggett (Ellie) of Little Rock; and four great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Brady, Ellie, and Drew, with two on the way.
Harry was preceded in death by his son, David Leggett; and his parents, James Harry Leggett, Sr., and Susie Casey Leggett.
In greatest appreciation, the Leggett family would like to extend their gratitude to Harry’s personal assistant of 54 years, Brenda Ziegenfelder, whom they all considered like family. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Homecare and his end-of-life care team for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided to Harry.
Service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 22nd at 11 a.m., with visitation following the service. Services entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com.