Obituary for Paul Leggett
Paul Robert Leggett of Fort Smith, age 83, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents W.J. and Ethel Leggett and his sisters Ina Pearl Leggett and Genevieve Leggett Fryer, and brother Bill Leggett. He is survived by a sister, Mary Anna Leggett Thomas; nieces Sharon Keith, Cindy Thompson, and Laurie Maxwell; nephews Don, Phil, and Billy Thomas.
Paul was born in Jerusalem, AR, on January 5, 1937, and graduated from Jerusalem High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Alaska. After the Army, he enrolled in Arkansas Tech University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business education and then taught in several high schools. While he was teaching in Atkins, he earned his master’s degree from UCA. He then moved to Fort Smith and began teaching at West Ark Junior College, now UAFS, where he taught for over 25 years.
Paul had a passion for horticulture. He was lifetime member of the National Rose Society, the Fort Smith Rose Society, and the River Valley Master Gardeners’ Association. After competing for many years in rose shows, he become a National Rose Society Judge traveling the southern United States judging rose shows.
Paul was a person with charm, a quick wit, a warm personality, and very competitive when playing cards, dominoes, or board games with his family and friends. No matter where he went or who he was with, he made the trip fun and full of laughter.
Paul enjoyed traveling the United States and across Europe. He particularly enjoyed cruising on the Queen Mary. He was also an avid Razorback fan who attended both football and basketball games.
Paul was always the center of family holidays with his contagious laughter and sly way of getting everyone to follow his directions. He will be greatly missed.
Private burial is in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oakland Cemetery, P.O. Box 440, Atkins, AR 72823.
Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.
Paul was born in Jerusalem, AR, on January 5, 1937, and graduated from Jerusalem High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Alaska. After the Army, he enrolled in Arkansas Tech University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business education and then taught in several high schools. While he was teaching in Atkins, he earned his master’s degree from UCA. He then moved to Fort Smith and began teaching at West Ark Junior College, now UAFS, where he taught for over 25 years.
Paul had a passion for horticulture. He was lifetime member of the National Rose Society, the Fort Smith Rose Society, and the River Valley Master Gardeners’ Association. After competing for many years in rose shows, he become a National Rose Society Judge traveling the southern United States judging rose shows.
Paul was a person with charm, a quick wit, a warm personality, and very competitive when playing cards, dominoes, or board games with his family and friends. No matter where he went or who he was with, he made the trip fun and full of laughter.
Paul enjoyed traveling the United States and across Europe. He particularly enjoyed cruising on the Queen Mary. He was also an avid Razorback fan who attended both football and basketball games.
Paul was always the center of family holidays with his contagious laughter and sly way of getting everyone to follow his directions. He will be greatly missed.
Private burial is in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oakland Cemetery, P.O. Box 440, Atkins, AR 72823.
Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.