Gerald Dean Leger

Mr. Gerald Dean "Butch" Leger, 76, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at his residence following a brief period of illness. Butch was born on June 23, 1950, in Burke County to the late John Alfred Leger and Laura Lail Leger. He was formerly employed as a plant manager for Drexel Heritage for over 25 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed farming, building furniture, and providing friends and family with lumber from his sawmill and produce from his garden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Buddy "Buck" Leger Sr. and Freddy Leger. Surviving are his two sons, Seth Leger (and wife Sarah) and Patrick Leger, granddaughters Madeleine Leger and Claire Leger, sisters Frances Barlowe, Rita Brittain, and Blenda Leger, and many nephews and nieces and their families. A celebration of Butch's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be sent to: Le Phare des Alpes (LPDA) 301 Laurel St SE Valdese, NC 28690 https://lpdavaldese.org/ (Non-tax-deductible) Old Colony Players PO Box 112 Valdese, NC 28699 https://oldcolonyplayers.com/ (Tax-deductible) An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Leger family.