Charles M. “Buddy” Leger

Published 8:39 am Monday, March 3, 2025

Charles M. “Buddy” Leger went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2025.  He was born in Knox County, Kentucky to Noah Delbert and Uhla McKeehan Leger. 

 Buddy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie Batchelor Leger; his daughters, Susan Leger-Boike and her husband, Mark,

Sherrie L. Leverett and her husband, John, Maria L. Coslett and her husband, Bill and his son, James Gregory Leger.  In addition, he is survived by his grandsons, Kelly Norton and his wife, Stephanie, Morrie Whittington and his wife, Ashley, Nick Leger and his wife, Evangeline, Cole Leger and granddaughter, Bailey Leger and her fiancé, Hunter Slade; as well as step-grandchildren, Jarrett (Savannah) Leverett and Lauren Jones (Trey).  Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Rosario Norton, Zoe Norton, Ali Norton, Averie Whittington, and Eli Whittington;  his siblings Jane L. Smith, Martha L. Hobbs and Jack Leger and his wife, Ann. Buddy is predeceased by his parents, sister, Bernita L. Garner and his son, Charles E. Leger.

 When the name C. M. “Buddy” Leger is mentioned, those that knew him remember his tremendous love and support of his family, his spiritual devotion, and his dedicated service and personal sacrifice that had a substantial impact on the watermelon industry, the pecan industry, the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and his state and community.  He was well recognized for his strong convictions, and agricultural knowledge.  Buddy was an accomplished manager with years of experience with proven ability to lead and implement strategies and develop new ideas and to lead in a positive manner.  He was in the agriculture industry for over 75 years, that included harvesting and marketing pecans and watermelons.  Before he formed his partnership, L & M Enterprises, Inc. growing, harvesting, shelling and marketing pecans and L & M Melon Sales, Inc. growing, harvesting, and marketing watermelons, he served in the United States Navy, was employed by the Federal State Inspection Service grading fruits and vegetables, and was employed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture as Manager of the Cordele Farmers Market.  In 1999, he dissolved both partnerships and formed a business with his son, Greg named Leger & Son, Inc.  This corporation is still active growing, harvesting and marketing both watermelons and pecans.

 Buddy’s service and leadership positions were numerous.  He served from November of 1988 to January of 1989 on the Transition Team for Agriculture from the Reagan administration to the Bush administration.  He also served on the National Council for Agriculture Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) for The University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences for 23 years and was Advisory Council Chairman for 2005-2006;  he was appointed to the Community Rural Development Council by Governor Nathan Deal in 2011; was appointed as ex-officio member of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission oversite group by the Georgia State Senate Ag Committee in 2012; he served as a member of the Executive Council of the National Watermelon Association; was a member of the Upper Flint Regional Water Planning Council; served on Governor Sonny Purdue’s Agriculture Advisory Committee as Chairman of the sub-committee for education;  Buddy also served as President and Board of Director Member of the Georgia Pecan Grower’s Association; President of the Georgia Pecan Distributors Association, President of the National Pecan Marketing Council, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Federated Pecan Association, was Chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans.  In addition, Buddy was President of the Georgia Watermelon Association, President and Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Watermelon Association, was on the Executive Council of the National Watermelon Association, First President of the National Watermelon Research and Promotion Board, Local Chairman of the Crisp County FMHA Committee and was a member of the Cordele-Crisp County Planning Commission and a member of the Crisp County Power Commission Board.

During Buddy Leger’s career he received numerous awards and honors.  In 1979, 1986 and 1990, he received the National Watermelon Association (NWA) Outstanding Service Award.  This national award is the highest recognition given by NWA and is reserved for those individuals who have made a significant impact on and/or contribution to the watermelon industry.  In 2006 Buddy was the recipient of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Science (CAES) Medallion of Honor Award.  This is the College’s highest award.  It is given annually to a friend of the College who has significantly and positively impacted teaching, research and extension.  In 2008 Buddy was the recognized and celebrated as  “This is Your Life” award by the Cordele/Crisp Chamber of Commerce.

 The achievement that stands out above the rest is the award that Charles “Buddy” Leger received from the University of Georgia College of Agriculture.  In 2012 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the College and his picture was placed on the wall of the College.  This award represents the significant contribution and impact that Buddy had on the agricultural community.

 Buddy was a member of Hatley Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and as Chairman.  He was devoted to his Church and the members, always willing to serve in whatever capacity he was needed.

Charles “Buddy” Leger was a true inspiration and leader to everyone that knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in the chapel of Rainey Family Funeral Services with interment following in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. 

 The family would like to thank Crisp Regional Hospice and the Caregivers: Pam, Suzanne, Marisa, Brenda, Karen, Shirley, Jodi, Kaitlyn, Sabrina and others that have cared for Daddy over the past months.  Above all, we thank God for allowing us to have him all these years.

 Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a “Daddy”!

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