Charles Leigh Sr.

COLONIE- Charles (Tinky) I. Leigh Sr., of Colonie, died peacefully on Thursday October 26, 2006 at the Inn of Community Hospice at St. Peters Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born October 30, 1945 to the late Freddie and Annie Mae Jackson Leigh. Charlie was raised in Arbor Hill and never forgot where he came from and stayed true to his hometown, City of Albany. Charlie was recognized as a Son of Arbor Hill.
In 1965 as a young man, Charlie became only the fourth player in NFL history to sign a professional contract directly out of high school. He played from Albany High School into the pro football hall of fame. Charlie was a running back in the National Football League for six years. He was a member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season.
He had worked for the City of Albany Department of Parks & Recreation and the city Landfill. Charlie was a member of Teamsters Local 190. He had been a coach for Albany High School football.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Marie Leigh; his four children, Sherrell Leigh of Duluth, GA., Charles I. Leigh Jr. of Manhattan, NY, Carla Leigh of Riverdale, GA. and Deverren Leigh of Colonie. Also survived by Patrick Leigh of Albany. Grandfather of Dayquana Leigh, Ashayia, Shareiff, Shardayia and Ajaye Dickson, Charles I. Leigh III, Kaywon Leigh-Kennedy, I'india Leigh-Brown and Zephaniah Leigh, Deverren Leigh Jr. and De'Andre Leigh. Brother of Dorothy Leigh, Freddie (Earlaine) Leigh Jr. Anthony (Emma) Leigh, Raymond (Doris) Leigh, Albert Leigh, Alfred Leigh and the late Thelma (Bootsy) Willingham and Kenneth ( Kooter ) Leigh. Nephew of Thelma Clairborne and Bertha Leigh; Brother in law of Barbara Watson and Thomas Willingham Sr. Also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 12 noon at the Palace Theatre in Albany with Rev. Willie J. Stovall Pastor, Mount Olive Southern Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Viewing hours will be Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12 noon at the Palace Theatre. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Newcomerfamily.com.