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William Leeke Obituary
Columbia
A memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of William Dent Leeke, 81, of Columbia will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, 170 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Alston Wilkes Society, 3519 Medical Park Dr., Columbia, S.C. 29203; The Frankie San Foundation, 156 Point de Haven Rd., Columbia, S.C. 29036; Sistercare and Pawmetto Lifeline c/o Cat Rescue, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, South Carolina in William's memory.
Mr. Leeke departed this earthly life to be with our heavenly father on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. He was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi to Henry Thomas Leeke and Ruth Stanford Leeke on August 30, 1931. Mr. Leeke received his Bachelor's Degree from Furman University and a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. He was a veteran of the United States Army, Co D 508th Military Battalion, Garmish, Germany from 1953 until 1955.
Mr. Leeke retired from the distinguished position as Commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Corrections on October 1, 1987. Mr. Leeke was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Dr. Henry Thomas Leeke, Jr.
Those left to cherish his memories and legacy are his loving wife, Linda Lennon Leeke; three daughters, Leslie Steis (Ron), Sallie Golden Ransom (John), and Alicia Leeke; three grandchildren, Tyler and Michael Golden, and Brian Lawson; a sister, Jane Leeke Baylis; two sisters-in-law, Lisa Fitzgerald and Martha Leeke; mother-in-law, Edna Lennon and nieces, Caroline Corder (Bill), Pat Sanford (Mark); nephews, Dr. Terrell Leeke (Debra), Henry "Hank" Leeke (Vickie), Hollis Leeke and David Leeke (Anna); his loving cats Marion and Della, along with a host of other loving relatives and friends that will miss him dearly. A private inurnment service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Leeke
Frankie Stroker
July 24, 2013
I was so proud to work for the SCDC under Mr. Leeke. He was an inspiration to me during the many years I worked at the agency beginning in the early 1970's. I appreciate all he did to advance opportunities for women who worked in corrections and for the vision and advancement he projected for our important, difficult (but never dull) field. My thoughts are with his family and many friends at this time. I will never forget him.
Beth Fralix
July 23, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with The Leeke Family at this time. We pray that the Lord comforts & blesses them with His love now & always. Mr. Leeke was an amazing man & will be truly missed by many. God Bless, Beth (Davis) Fralix & Family (The daughter of the late George T. Davis, who worked with Mr. Leeke at SCDC)
Don Lindsey
July 22, 2013
Bill was a great classmate at Furman Univ. and did a tremendous job as a Commissioner of the state penal system, guiding the hospital strike at MUSC.
Charlotte Hunsucker
July 22, 2013
Sallie, my thoughts,prayers and love go out to you and your family.
Rob Donlin
July 22, 2013
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Leeke's passing. I hope that you may find strength during this difficult time in the fact that Bill touched many lives in such a positive way.
Nancy Chastain
July 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leeke family during this difficult time. We pray that God gives you peace and strength in the days ahead.
God bless,
Bill and Nancy Leath Chastain
Susan Herndon
July 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Marimac Montgomery
July 21, 2013
My deepest condolences...Bill Leeke was a pioneer in corrections.He welcomed new and innovative ideas and gave upstarts like me a chance. Corrections was my chosen career for 28 years in large part to him. May God rest his soul!
Elise Harrington
July 21, 2013
Deepest Sympathy to all the family, and friends of Mr. Leeke. I'm sure he will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
Laurie Osler-Gibbs
July 21, 2013
I was so saddened to hear this news. Bill Leeke was a true gem. I have often thought of him many times, as it was Mr. Leeke who believed enough in me to give me a chance. For that, I will be be forever grateful. 25+ years later, I am still doing corrections work. My sincere symphathy goes out to his family. He has left behind a grand legacy. Few people do. He was a great man.
Naomi S. Kellum
July 21, 2013
To the family and friends of W. D. Leeke, deepest sympathy from one who worked with him in the 60's and 70's.
Pris & Bucky Phillips
July 21, 2013
Linda; our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Know that you gave him the very best care, he fought a good fight and celebrate the good times and his incredible legacy.
Carolyn foust
July 21, 2013
Thanks for making the way for women in corrections. Rest in peace.
July 21, 2013
Many memories of him from the past. Our
condolences to the family.
Judy and Paul Oken. Charleston, SC
Sandra Eslick (Jeffcoat)
July 21, 2013
Bill Leeke was One Of A Kind and truly a GOOD man!! It was my honor to have worked for him for many years and to call him "friend." Deepest condolences to all the family!
July 21, 2013
I was hired with the DOC in 1980. I am still with the agency after 32 years of service. From my first day of employment, I was constantly made aware of how highly respected Commissioner Leeke was among the line staff. He was a frequent visitor in institutions, and made a point to speak to and avidly listen to all employees. He was an easy man to like and inspired all staff to do their best. After he retired, I would sometimes see him out in the community. He never stopped caring about the agency he worked so hard to build and improve. The awards and honors bestowed on him were earned and deserved. I am proud to say I served under Commissioner Leeke. Rest now, Mr Leeke, on angels wings. You have earned your peace. We will take it from here. I pray that the Leeke family feel the loving touch of God to heal the pain of loss in their hearts so they find peace of mind and spirit.
LT Mae Waller-Turner
Ron Jenkins
July 21, 2013
Viewed him as a fair and honest person/administrator.
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