Leonard R. Clegg of Columbus passed away September 17, 2026, at Columbus Hospice House at the age of 97.

Leonard was born March 10, 1929 in Phenix City to Eugene and Doris Clegg, the third of six children. He loved all of his siblings - sister Barbara and brothers Doug, Richard, Julian (Bunky) and Gay. But he was especially close to Richard.

Shortly after World War II ended, Leonard left home at 17, having to get written consent from his mother, to join the Navy. Although Leonard never looked for a fight, his superiors soon discovered he had a talent for boxing. He joined his ship’s boxing team and became a Golden Gloves champion. The highlight came when his ship sailed to China and he fought a highly-touted Russian boxer - and won.

One newspaper article described his boxing style as that of a dancer - light on his feet and rhythmic. That was so appropriate because his first love was dancing. Ballroom dancing in particular.

After his stint in the Navy, Leonard returned home to Phenix City/Columbus and soon met Foye Oliver. They married and had three sons - Kenny, David and Guerry.

Leonard worked a number of jobs, including owning his own business, Domestic Contractors, then sales for Montgomery Ward. He left sales to start another home remodeling business - initially called Alaga Company and later Len Clegg, Inc.

However, the boxing had taken a toll on his eyesight, which worsened to the point that he sold his business and retired.

But he sure didn’t stop living. He continued his love for dancing, learning as much as he could. He also resumed playing golf after a 15-year layoff due to his eyesight. Even though he could barely see his ball on the ground, let alone where he hit it. One day at a practice range in Florida, he received an unsolicited tip from a stranger - then-Florida football coach Steve Spurrier.

One day he wandered into the Gallops Senior Center and discovered they were looking for a ballroom dance instructor. That began a hobby that would become a passionate obsession. He formed a ballroom dance club - Let’s Dance Y’all - and taught hundreds of people how to dance. He still put on dancing exhibitions in his mid-90s.

Len is survived by his three sons Kenny (Robin) of Hamilton, David (Lyn) of Cumming GA and Guerry (Gail) of Columbus, as well as grandsons Joe (Amanda), Josh, Jeff (Anna-Marie), Kevin and Drew and granddaughters Kelly and Ellen, plus six great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 21, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with a private burial at Park Hill Tuesday.