The Town of Hope Mills mourns the loss of former Commissioner Jerry Legge
By Staff Report, posted Aug 27, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
The Town of Hope Mills is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former Town Commissioner and lifelong community champion Jerry Legge, who passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 at the age of 82.
A retired builder by trade, Legge dedicated over three decades of his life to public service, youth sports, and the civic development of Hope Mills. First elected to the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners in November 2003, Legge served his constituents with distinction, leveraging his professional background and deep community roots to shape the town’s growth.
Beyond his elected office, Legge was a foundational pillar of local civic boards and committees.
His extensive public service included vital roles on the Hope Mills Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustments, the Finance Committee, and the Air Quality Control Committee.
Legge’s most enduring legacy, however, lives on through the generations of the youth hementored. He began coaching baseball in Hope Mills in 1988 when his youngest daughter wished to play, spanning a 24-year tenure as a head coach. Simultaneously, he served on the Board of Directors for the Hope Mills Youth Association for over 30 years, holding leadership positions as Buildings and Grounds Chairman, vice president, and president.
Even after retiring from the dugout, he continued to serve the youth league as an umpire for several years. In 2009, Legge’s profound impact on youth sports earned him induction into the prestigious Diamond Youth Baseball “Danny Jones Club.” Membership in this exclusive club requires rigorous state and national board ratification, reserved strictly for individuals who embody outstanding leadership, honor, devotion, faith and service.
In late 2025 he was a recipient of the Long Leaf Pine Award. This award is one of the highest honors of the Governor’s Office. Jerry Legge is survived by his beloved wife, Diana, and their three daughters. Funeral arrangements will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm, at Reeves Funeral Home.
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