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

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 drop Salem in non-conference action, 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).

Basketball ‘Cats drop heartbreaker to Salem, 76-75

West Virginia Wesleyan lost a 76–75 heartbreaker at Salem after late free throws gave the Tigers a one-point edge despite Curtis Litton’s 18 points, Wesleyan’s 47–34 rebounding advantage and a go-ahead three with one second left.

Tenney, Baisden named to Second Team All-State Football Team

Two Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers, senior utility QB Dawson Tenney and junior defensive lineman Kadyn Baisden, were named to the WVSWA 2025 Class AAAA Second Team All-State Football roster.

Upshur County Sheriff appoints officer with 23 years of experience as chief deputy

Sheriff Mike Coffman appointed Theron Caynor, a 23-year veteran of the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, as chief deputy during a Dec. 11 swearing-in in the circuit courtroom.

Dwayne Edward Grubb

Dwayne Edward Grubb, 64, of Clarksburg, WV, a prep cook who enjoyed fishing and family, died December 12, 2025; survivors include four sisters, a brother, 10 nieces and nephews, and close friend Josh.

Winter storm warning issued for Upshur County with 6 to 10 inches of snow expected over the weekend

Heavy snow is forecast from Saturday afternoon through early Monday morning, with bitter cold to follow.

Buckhannon Toyota donates $10,000 to Feed My Sheep to fund Christmas meal baskets

Buckhannon Toyota donated $10,000 to Feed My Sheep Food Outreach to help fund about 400 Christmas meal baskets and other holiday support for families, seniors, veterans and the homeless.

Buckhannon Community Theatre honors Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston with 2025 Knorr Award

Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston, an early pioneer of Buckhannon Community Theatre who has starred in productions and served on the board of directors, received the 2025 Knorr Award.

Leadership Upshur dives into healthcare and public safety during December session

The December Leadership Upshur session offered participants a close look at the people, systems and teamwork that keep the community safe and healthy, with visits to Community Care of West Virginia, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex.

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa, 92, of Old Elkins Road died December 10, 2025; she is survived by husband Howard “Frank” Baxa, three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and extended family, with services at Heavner and Cutright.

Basketball ‘Cats tumble to Point Park, 90-66

Point Park’s hot perimeter shooting and a dominant second half sank WVWC 90-66, with the Pioneers hitting 15 threes and capitalizing on turnovers while Wesleyan’s Isaiah Baker and Stephen Ovia fought inside.