All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gary Wayne Leigh

Gary Wayne Leigh, 75 of Buckhannon, went to his Heavenly Home on June 14, 2023.

Born on June 26, 1947, in Buckhannon, Gary was the son of the late Rollive and Luvene Wingfield Leigh. A lifelong resident of Buckhannon, Gary was a devoted member of the Tallmansville Baptist Church, where he found solace in the words of scripture.

Gary graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1966 and proudly served in the United States Air Force until 1969. He later worked in various positions in both the oilfield and construction industry before retiring as a Line Cleaner where he operated a fork lift for Weyerhaeuser.

On February 27, 1972, Gary married his beloved wife, Cora Virginia Pancake Butler Leigh, and together they raised a loving family. Gary had a passion for digging for ginseng, hunting, especially groundhogs, and reading books about westerns, mysteries, and religion. He was known for his infectious smile and quick wit, always ready with a joke to tell. Above all, Gary cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he referred to as “God’s precious little miracles.”

Gary is survived by his wife, Cora Leigh; three children: John Butler and wife, Judy, Rodney Butler and wife, Devona, and David Butler and wife, Lori; seven grandchildren: Amber Workman, Sheena Heaver and husband, Jeremy, Jackie Sias, David Butler II and wife, Juliette, Dallas Butler, Cody Stephenson, and Kyle Stephenson; ten great-grandchildren: Hunter, Miles, Lilian, Isaiah, Chloe, Mikenzy, Emma Lou, Jack, Beau, and Blakelee; five siblings: Bill Leigh and wife, Liz, Tim Leigh and wife, Tracey, Terry Leigh and wife, Brenda, Mark Leigh and wife, Bekki, Roberta Dezarn and husband, Jon; one sister-in-law, Kathy Leigh; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rollive and Luvene Leigh; one grandson, Rodney Jr.; and one brother, David Leigh.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Funeral Services will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the Clutter Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tim Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Upshur County Memorial Park in Buckhannon with full military honors accorded by the Upshur County Honor Guard.

We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, appreciate the service of Gary Wayne Leigh and it has been our honor and privilege to serve his family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

What to watch for at Thursday’s city and county meetings

Buckhannon City Council and the Upshur County Commission wrap up 2025 Thursday with light agendas but a few big-ticket items.

Nearly 50 Upshur County students honored as WVWC announces fall 2025 President’s List, Provost’s List

Forty-seven Upshur County students earned academic honors at West Virginia Wesleyan College for the fall 2025 semester.
Stockert Youth and Community Center

SYCC board approves $56,701 bid to replace 15 cameras

The Stockert Youth and Community Center board approved a $56,701 bid to replace 15 surveillance cameras after equipment failures left indoor cameras offline.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 18, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on December 18, 2025. Here’s the agenda for the upcoming session.

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder, 101, a pioneering FMC chemist, devoted church member, and lifelong knitter, died December 12, 2025, in Scott Depot and will be memorialized December 20 in Saint Albans.

Buckhannon shifts sidewalk focus to Route 20 South after property owners refuse access north of town

Buckhannon leaders are pivoting away from the Gateway North sidewalk project after property access issues stalled progress. Instead, they’re eyeing sidewalks along Route 20 South, a proposal now headed to city council.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: December 18, 2025

Buckhannon City Council meets December 18, 2025. View the full agenda and see what items are up for discussion and action at the upcoming meeting.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: December 16, 2025

Get the full agenda for the Upshur County Board of Education meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025. See what’s on the board’s docket and what will be discussed at the upcoming session.

Denise St. Clair Straight

Denise St. Clair Straight, 71, a beloved Buckhannon kindergarten teacher, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, died December 11, remembered for her generosity, humor, baking and lifelong service to students and neighbors.

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall, 63, of Tallmansville, WV, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Tenmile Baptist Church singer, died December 13, 2025; she will be cremated and a memorial service held later.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local basketball games, swimming meets, and wrestling events for Buckhannon-Upshur and area schools from Dec. 15–21, with several home and away contests and some TBA times.

Wesleyan women cruise past Salem in non-conference win, 71–43

West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Salem 71–43, shooting 50.9%, outrebounding the Tigers 44–28, getting 54 points in the paint and four double-digit scorers to improve to 4–2 (2–1 MEC).