Henry Paul Leigh, age 78, of Hayes, surrounded by his loving family, went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2025. He was an Army veteran, member of Union Baptist Church, and member of the Gloucester High School Class of ’64. He retired as a Civilian Naval Ordinance Engineer from the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, Virginia, after 36 and a half years of exemplary service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hansford Archie and Martha Elizabeth Leigh; brothers, Archie, Herbert, Curtis, and Gene Leigh, and sisters, Betty Mills and Frances Diggs. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Jean Deal Leigh; son, Chris Leigh; daughter-in-law, Katie Leigh; grandson, Spencer Leigh; granddaughter, Merritt Leigh; brothers, Fred and Bobby Leigh (Nan), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Henry was renowned for many things. He loved his family with a passion. He and his son Chris were inseparable. They shared boating, fishing, traveling, and delivering boats to many locations (with Betty Jean sometimes driving). His motto was “Do it right the first time; that way, you don’t have to do it over.” Henry had a special bond with his daughter-in-law, Katie. In the past year, he would watch his favorite show on TV, “Rawhide.” Henry was a perfectionist. He always talked about and was known around the county for his black ’66 Chevy II Super Sport and, later on in life, his red ’87 GMC Regular Cab Short Bed Truck. He always had a Weekly Plan to be sure of grass cutting on Thursday and vehicle washing on Friday. This allowed him to leave the weekends free to have fun. His passion was being around the water–Aberdeen Creek, York River, or Sarah Creek–these were his happy places. He loved every one of his brothers and sisters, and always would be there to lend a strong back and helping hand. River and bay fishing with his son and brothers was a special time for him. He proudly gave Chris his first fishing rod, which Donald Duck made. You could also find him at New Point Comfort or any local sand bar with a cold beer in his hand. Springtime was his time to shine and show off his yard with 52 islands of beautiful azalea bushes in full bloom with fresh mulch, and the yard push-mowed in perfect diagonals. His son was his top priority, and he taught him the importance of hard work, the value of a dollar, the necessity to take care of what you own, and always to be kind. Henry always did selfless acts for his son and others. He would often hop in the truck with his brothers and Chris to see whatever boat Chris listed for sale that day. Henry was the number one fan of Oyster Cove Boatworks. They even got to work a Fort Lauderdale Boat Show together. In his final years, his main interest focused on his grandchildren, Spencer and Merritt. He always wanted them beside him. Merritt would light up his day every chance he got to hold her. Even though he was very ill, he attended his GHS Class of ’64 reunion in June 2024. Henry and Betty Jean lived an active and rewarding life that resulted in beautiful memories. We know that Henry is in Heaven, currently hugging his dad, who passed away when Henry was only two years old, his mom, brothers, sisters, and Betty Jean’s mom and dad. His family will continue to miss him but give thanks that he is no longer in pain and rejoice that he is now a perfect angel of God with his loved ones. During the last year, Henry required special help. The family wishes to thank Sue Weir, who provided care for Henry and Betty Jean over and above all expectations; Dr. Haggerty and staff; the “angels” from Gloucester Riverside Hospice (Amanda, Heather, Jessica, Laura, and Amy); the faithful groups from Union Baptist Church, and many others. The family received friends on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home. The Homegoing Service, conducted by Pastor Jared Berry and Pastor Bill West, was held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Union Baptist Church, followed by interment in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery, after which all were invited to attend a reception at Union Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy may be with flowers or contributions to the Sewer Project at Union Baptist Church, 9254 Guinea Road, Va. 23072, or to the Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Bena, Va. 23018.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.