25 LC 112 3317
Senate Resolution 406
By: Senators Summers of the 13th, Kennedy of the 18th, Watson of the 11th, Goodman of
the 8th, Gooch of the 51st and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Charles M. "Buddy" Leger; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2
with the passing of Charles M. "Buddy" Leger on February 28, 2025; and3
WHEREAS, Charles M. "Buddy" Leger was born on June 9, 1931, in Knox County,4
Kentucky, a beloved son of Noah Delbert and Uhla McKeehan Leger; and5
WHEREAS, during his extraordinary career, he dedicated more than 75 years to the6
agriculture industry, leaving a legacy of impact on the watermelon and pecan industries in7
Georgia and beyond; and8
WHEREAS, prior to establishing Leger & Son Inc., which continues to actively grow,9
harvest, and market both watermelons and pecans, he served with the Federal State10
Inspection Service, where he graded fruits and vegetables, and as manager of the Cordele11
Farmers Market with the Georgia Department of Agriculture; and12
WHEREAS, Charles M. "Buddy" Leger held vital roles in the agriculture industry, such as13
chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans, president of the14
S. R. 406
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Georgia Pecan Growers Association, president of the Georgia Watermelon Association, and
15
the first president of the National Watermelon Research and Promotion Board; and16
WHEREAS, his expertise was recognized at the highest levels, as he was appointed to serve17
on the Transition Team for Agriculture from the Reagan administration to the Bush18
administration as well as on many state and national councils; and19
WHEREAS, he was the recipient of the National Watermelon Association Outstanding20
Service Award in 1979, 1986, and 1990 as well as the University of Georgia College of21
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Medallion of Honor Award in 2006, earning22
induction into the University of Georgia College of Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2012; and23
WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife of 57 years, Marjorie, and the24
two were blessed with four remarkable children, Susan, Sherrie, Maria, and James; and 25
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Charles M. "Buddy" Leger will long be26
remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who27
had the great fortune of knowing him.28
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body29
join in honoring the life and memory of Charles M. "Buddy" Leger and express their deepest30
and most sincere regret at his passing.31
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of33
Charles M. "Buddy" Leger.34
S. R. 406
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