Willard "Buz" Henry Leavitt Jr.

He played football at Wake Forest University and looked like he could run for a first down later in life.

He devoted himself to his family – his wife, Anne, their three sons and eight grandchildren.

Friends, and there were many, knew him by the strong handshake and hearty pat on the back.

Buz passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2024. Every one of his 77 fiercely lived years was filled with blessings.

Buz was born in Troy, NY, lived in nearby Burnt Hills, until his junior year where he moved to Westport CT and graduated from Staples High School. He was the son of Willard Henry Leavitt Sr. and Mildred Swatling Leavitt. He graduated from Wake Forest University, where he starred on the football field (he was once named ACC Offensive Player of the Week) earning his degree in 1970. Better than all that, he met Anne. They were married on June 21, 1969, and filled 55 years with love and fun.

After college Buz and Anne settled in Charlotte in 1972 where he kicked off a 32 year successful career with Procter & Gamble. Buz held roles as Sales Manager and Special Events Director.

For decades he enjoyed coaching youth sports that included St, Anne’s Football, Old Providence recreational leagues, Park Sharon, Charlotte Catholic High School, Holy Trinity Middle School to name a few. Buz’s coaching brought out the best in each player and his influence went beyond the playing fields with parents and players alike.

He was the ultimate coach, dad and granddad—always present, always cheering, always supportive. When he was a fan, Buz would often be heard before he was seen, always in an encouraging way.

Buz is survived by his wife, Anne, of Blythewood, S.C.; three sons – Chris (Darla) of Greenville, S.C., Charley (Heather) of Charlotte and Courtney (Shelley) of Blythewood, S.C.; his brother, Scott (Bridget), of Charlotte; and sister, Susan Pittman, of Roswell, Ga. Buz is also survived by eight grandchildren whom he adored and they adored him – Riley, Zoe, Lila, Ian, Banks, Ella Chase, Eliza and Olivia. He was affectionately known to them as Papa Buz.

A service to celebrate his life will be at 1 p.m. Friday, November 22, at the Clubhouse at Cobblestone Park, 1298 University Parkway, Blythewood, S.C. A reception follows.

The family is deeply grateful for the kindness shown by Buz and Anne’s neighbors in the Cobblestone Park community.

In Lieu of flowers, a gift in Buz’s memory can be made to Baby Bundles, a Charlotte nonprofit that provides essential baby items to families in need. Buz’s daughter-in-law, Heather, cofounded the organization. Gifts can be made at www.babybundlesnc.org. If you give online, there is a field to include tribute and honorarium information. You can also send a check to Baby Bundles, P.O. Box 12303, Charlotte, N.C. 28220. Please reference “Buz Leavitt.”

Buz Leavitt made every day feel like a celebration, whether he was in the mountains of NC, Litchfield Beach SC, or sitting on cold aluminum bleachers at yet another athletic event. He never met a stranger, and his gregarious nature made every person feel welcome.

As Buz would often say at the end of a conversation, phone call, or get-together, we say to him now- onward and upward.