Billy Eugene Leggett(January 2, 1924 - March 17, 2011) |
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 Billy Eugene Leggett, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle died March 17, 2011 in Guthrie, Oklahoma at the age of 87. Billy was born January 2, 1924 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma; the second of two much-loved sons to Mack Oliver and Edith (Hamblin) Leggett. As a young child the family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas.Before he was able to graduate from high school, Billy was drafted into the United States Army. After serving his country in WWII he returned home to Corpus Christi and ran a paper route. On September 1, 1946 he married Mabel Lee Smith at the First Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. To this union five daughters were born: Beverly Kay (1948); Peggy Ann (1950); Martha Faye (1951); Billie Jean (1955); and Mary Beth (1959). As a young married man with a growing family Billy started his lifelong career in the oilfield with Halliburton. In 1953 he left Halliburton and began working for Baker Oil Tools. After being promoted to District Manager, the family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1962, followed by another move to Enid, Oklahoma in 1964. In 1970 the family settled in Edmond, Oklahoma. After 27 years of service to Baker Oil Tools he retired in 1980. He then worked as an oil consultant for Beasley Oil and continued to work until falling at the age of 81 and suffering a severely broken ankle in October of 2005. He was a great representative of his generation, which some have called the Greatest Generation. Billy was a kind, gentle, loving, caring, patient man and father. As his daughters we never questioned his love for us. He was our biggest fan. He was a devoted father who encouraged us in all we did, and carried that devotion to his grandchildren and even to his great-grandchildren by staying active in their lives. He lived the example of and also left a legacy of "family first -- always." He kept in contact with his many aunts and uncles until their deaths, even calling to check on his one remaining uncle in 2006 when Dad‘s own health was suffering. No one could have set a stronger example of the importance of relationships. His needs were simple. He worked hard; did for others whatever was needed without thought of repayment; and was a loyal friend. His wisdom, love and devotion will be greatly missed but as believers we will live for that day when we will see him again when "our faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen." Billy is preceded in death by son-in-law Michael Young and grandson Paul Herrin. He is survived by: daughter Beverly Herrin of Edmond; daughter Peggy and husband Eddie Isbell of Cordell, Oklahoma; granddaughter Becky and husband Jon Phillips and great-grandchildren Trevor, Jacob and Payton Phillips of Shallowater, Texas; grandson Kyle Isbell and wife Rhiannon and great-grandchildren Tyler Batt, Kylee, Jayce and McKenzie Isbell of Cordell; granddaughter Anna and husband Levi Feltman of Burns Flat, Oklahoma; daughter Martha Young of Guthrie; granddaughter Casey and husband Zach Anderson and great-granddaughters Kimberly and Riley Anderson of Guthrie; grandson Jackie Young of Guthrie; daughter Billie and husband Carl Meadors of Edmond; granddaughter Kristi and husband Joel Grimes and great-granddaughter Alexis Grimes of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; grandson Kevin and wife Jenny McQueen and great-grandson Jacob McQueen of Edmond; granddaughter Kayla McQueen and great-grandson Collin Abdollahi of Edmond; daughter Mary Beth and husband Pete Hoffman and grandchildren Lori and Nicholas Hoffman of Foothill Ranch, California; niece Nancy Leggett of Clarkesville, Arkansas; grandniece Kim and husband Paul Pledger and great-grandnephews Derrick and Bailey Pledger of Clarkesville, Arkansas; grandnephew Ronnie Mack and wife Lori Eason and great-grandnephews Calen and Thad Eason of Keller, Texas; sister-in-law Doris and husband Joe, nephew Floyd Smith, Jr. and wife Janis and niece Tricia Janzen all of Seattle, Washington; cousin Dwayne Hamblin of San Angelo, Texas; loving mother of his five daughters Mabel Leggett of Edmond; brothers-in-law Bobby Smith of Edmond; Floyd Smith and Charles Smith of Deridder, Louisiana. We will miss his arms always reaching; his hands always helping; the love in his eyes; the kindness in his tone and as his family we will live to honor his life by continuing his legacy of love and unity through the generations. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Smith Memorial Chapel under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers if you wish to express comments of how Billy Leggett impacted your life please address and mail your comments to Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044 |