William Vance Leggett Jr.

William Vance Leggett Jr., a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and dedicated educator, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Forsyth Hospital. Vance was born on January 12, 1954 in Tarboro, NC to William Vance Leggett, Sr. and Peggy Rodgers Leggett. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Rodgers and Warren and a niece, Jessica Leggett.

Vance is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Margaret Gardner Leggett, as well as his children, William Vance Leggett III (Nikki), Ginny Leggett Davis (Adam), Jeff Guill (Jill), Jason Guill (Sara), and Megan Bullock (Mike).

The joy of his life was his 21 cherished grandchildren: Ella Reid, Perry, Tilly Jean, Carolina, Chandler, Mason, Bailey, Brandon, Jonathan, Claudia, Abby, Parker, Jay, Clay, Sam, Olivia, Noah, Maddie, Greg, Will, and Sara. Each grandchild lovingly referred to him as "Vance" or "Bance," depending on the grandchild.

He is also survived by his siblings: Chauncey Leggett (Tammi), Bruce Leggett (Ellen), Margarette Leggett (Dennis), and sister in-law Gwen Leggett who will continue to cherish his memory.

Vance was a 56-year member of the Rainbow Gun Club on the Roanoke River in North Carolina, where he had the honor of serving as President in his final years. Beyond his leadership roles, Vance's greatest joy came from his contributions to education and his love for farming.

A lifelong educator, Vance spent 14 years teaching at the Old Dominion Job Corps and 17 years as a Building Trades teacher at Carroll County High School, positively impacting countless students. In his later years, he found a second passion in cattle farming, a pursuit that brought him immense pleasure and may have been his true calling.

A celebration of Vance's life will be held on Saturday, October 12th, at 11:00 AM at the John Henry Gardner Cemetery in Hillsville, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the John Henry Gardner Cemetery Fund, c/o Margaret Leggett, 569 Bronco Road, Hillsville, VA 24343, or Skyview Missionary Baptist Church, 129 Skyview Drive, Fancy Gap, VA 24328.

Vance will be remembered for his warmth, dedication to serving others, and the lasting legacy he leaves in both the classroom and the fields he so loved.

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.