Charles Ruzelle Leggett

Charles Ruzelle Leggett, the beloved son of the late Ruzelle and LaVerne Ivery Leggett, was born on April 19, 1956, in Ore City, Texas. Charles gave his life to Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of New Mountain Baptist Church, where he began cultivating the values of faith, service, and love that would guide his life. 

Charles attended Duncan Jr. High School from first through eighth grade before continuing his education at Mt. Pleasant High School, where he graduated in May of 1973. During his high school years, Charles was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). His passion for animals shone brightly when he raised a Grand Champion Black Angus bull named Bartholomew (Bart). Although he entered Bart in the Annual Livestock Show, Charles’ love for the animal was so strong that he refused to sell him, and Bart became a cherished family pet. 

This deep love for animals led Charles to pursue studies at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University, where he dedicated over fifteen years of his career to the care and well-being of animals. 

After high school, Charles joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country from 1973 to 1977. Stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, he completed his service with an honorable discharge and continued his professional journey with the U.S. Postal Service in Bryan, Texas. After 25 years of dedicated service, Charles retired from the Post Office and began a new chapter at Texas A&M University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Charles was a man of many passions and talents. Whether volunteering as a coach for his children’s baseball teams or serving as a certified 4-H shooting sports and food and nutrition coach, he found immense joy in giving back to his community. Charles was also an avid fisherman, a hobby he shared with his father, spending countless hours together traveling to various fishing sites, casting lines, and creating cherished memories.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Ruzelle and LaVerne Leggett, grandparents Army and Georgia Miles Leggett; great grandparents Solomon and Becky McKnight Leggett, his first wife, Eula Mae Hodge Leggett, and three of his children: Charles “Chuckie” Leggett, Dionne Leggett, Carmen Leggett, and 2 grandsons Dacorius “Cori” Leggett, and Tailon Dale Leggett.

He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy his dedicated wife, Angela Leggett, and their blended family of children: Charlene, Waylon, Christopher (Precious), CPT Justin {United States Army} (Iriel), Korinne, Warren "Bradley" (Vanikin), Carmen "DeDe", Ulyesses, Rainn, AmShur, Sincere, Nehemiah, EulaMae, Ivelisse, and Gale.

He is also survived by his treasured 16 grandchildren (2 more on the way) and 2 great-grandchildren, his devoted sister, Georgia Leggett Johnson (Henry), his nephew, Elston Johnson (Barbara), and their children, Isobella, Amelia, and Andrew, as well as a host of relatives and friends who will deeply miss him. Charles’ legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. His impact on his family, friends, and community will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.

The family of Charles Ruzelle Leggett extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, support, and love during this time of loss. Your kind words, presence, and thoughtful gestures have brought us comfort and strength. We would like to extend a special thanks to our Church Family, TAMU - Vet Med Park, Dr. Jennifer Fridley, Halo House Foundation, the MD Anderson Leukemia Team, and Brian Allison with NMDP (formerly Be The Match) for their unwavering support and care. Your dedication and compassion have been a beacon of hope for our family. Thank you all for walking this journey with us and honoring Charles’ remarkable life and legacy. Please continue to pray for us during our bereavement.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 6pm-8pm at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Avenue, Bryan, TX. Funeral services will be on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10 am at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, Bryan, TX. Graveside services and Air Force Honors presentation will be on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 1:15 pm at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Halo House Foundation. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E165763&id=2 

Their website: https://www.halohousefoundation.org/