Dr. Hugh V. Leggett, Jr. of Brookhaven, Mississippi, passed away on 12/23/2024 at the age of 79. Born in Lincoln County, Mississippi, he was the son of Marian Clarence Stewart and Hugh V. Leggett, Sr., a decorated World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who devoted his post-war years to the ministry.
From his early days, Dr. Hugh displayed a passion for learning and service. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Southern Adventist University, where he also met the love of his life, Rosemary Botts of Mobile, Alabama. The two were later married and blessed with three children: Hugh V. Leggett III, Dr. Brent L. Leggett, and Michelle L. Leggett.
Dr. Hugh received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), graduating with honors from the University of Tennessee (UT). He went on to serve as an assistant professor in UT's Restorative Dentistry Department before completing graduate studies in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics—again with honors. Returning to his Mississippi roots, he became Clinical Director of Orthodontics at the University of Mississippi College of Dentistry and subsequently established a private orthodontic practice in his hometown of Brookhaven. In 2016, he was delighted to welcome his son, Dr. Brent, into his orthodontic practices in Brookhaven and Columbia.
Highly respected in his profession, Dr. Hugh served as a past president of the Sixth District Dental Association of Mississippi and was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and Mississippi Association of Orthodontics.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Hugh found great joy as a passionate horseman and breeder of American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses, and Palomino Horses. He earned 75 World and Reserve World Championships between all three Associations either bred or owned at Countrywood Farms in Lincoln County.
Dr. Hugh will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to family, commitment to excellence, and generosity of spirit. Services honoring his life and legacy will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Riverwood Family, where friends and loved ones are welcome to pay their respects.
