On November 14, 1928, in Sumrall, Mississippi, Dorsey Leggett and Della May Tatum Leggett were blessed with their first child, John Ezell Leggett, affectionately known as “Johnny.” He was the eldest of three boys, with younger brothers Terry Lee and Charles Leggett, both of whom preceded him in death.
The family later moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where Johnny grew up. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and saw action in World War II in the Pacific, including Saipan, Guam, Leyte, Luzon, and Iwo Jima. He later transferred to the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to California, serving at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. For his courageous service, Johnny received the Purple Heart and 11 additional medals. He retired honorably as a Staff Sargent at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, after 21 years of military service.
Following retirement from the military, Johnny became an avid tennis player. Recognizing the lack of opportunities for people of color in the sport, he helped establish the Mountain View Tennis Club of Southeast San Diego. Founded at Mountain View Park, the club provided youth opportunities to learn and compete in tennis and became a gateway for many African Americans to enter the sport.
In 2001, at age 73, Johnny fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning his Federal Aviation
Administration pilot’s license to fly Cessna aircraft. He became a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association and joined the ranks of licensed pilots.
Johnny also pursued a career in mortuary science. After completing an apprenticeship at Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary and earning an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science, he worked for the San Diego County Coroner’s Office and several Los Angeles-area funeral homes.
In 1978, he partnered with the King family to open Leggett and King Mortuary in Long Beach, California, which served the community for 22 years.
Johnny was baptized into Christ in 1981 and faithfully preached the gospel in California and throughout the South. He later served as minister of Raven Street Church of Christ in San Diego until his retirement in 2011.
On Friday, May 22, 2026, Johnny entered his eternal rest. He leaves behind his beloved wife Martha Leggett, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of friends and church family who will forever celebrate the life of our dearest Brother Leggett.
