William L. Leake Jr.

William Leslie "Bill" Leake, Jr., age 98, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, in his home at Town Village Audubon Park in Memphis. Born on July 28, 1927, in Dubbs, Mississippi, Bill lived a long and richly blessed life marked by generosity, faith, gratitude, humor, and unwavering love for his family and country.

A proud World War II veteran, Bill faithfully served his nation and later remained deeply involved with his fellow servicemen through the Forever Young Veterans organization in Memphis, where he found great joy, friendship, and purpose. He carried deep reverence for those who served beside him and would often become emotional when speaking of those who never made it home.

He, along with two friends from Memphis, built a business, Modern Door and Hardware, with very little and made a successful career for over 30 years. He continued his career by working at the Builders Exchange of Memphis.

Bill was a devoted member of Scenic Hills United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully in many roles including usher, lay leader, trustee committee member, and the men's fellowship group. His steady presence, generous spirit, and servant's heart touched countless lives within his church family and beyond.

Bill loved people well. Whether sharing stories from his war days, quietly helping someone in need, delivering fruit to his neighbors, or gifting the wooden treasures he crafted in his shop, he delighted in giving. Woodturning and working with his hands brought him great joy, and so did blessing others with what he created. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sitting on the porch visiting, gardening in his raised beds, and watching and feeding the birds. He was a man of quiet strength-steady, dependable, and humble-the kind of strength that is often only fully seen when looking back.

Bill was blessed to share 32 years of marriage with Mary Louise Robinson Leake, who preceded him in death in 2002, with whom he raised his beloved daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Leslie Leake and Maggie Corrine Tombs Leake and his three brothers, Elbert, Lemoyne, and Leslie whom he loved dearly.

He is survived by his daughters Deborah Lynn Hayes and Pamela Leake Lattimore, and her husband Robert. Bill leaves behind grandchildren Kasey Hayes Hunter and her husband Zach, and Samantha Leslie Hayes, children of Debbie; and Pam's children Robert William Lattimore and his wife Mary Beth, Madeleine Maria LaCroix and her husband Ryan, and Anna Grace Lattimore. He is also lovingly remembered by his great-grandchildren Hayes Christian Hunter, son of Kasey and Zach; and Pepper Williamette Lattimore, daughter of Robert and Mary Beth, who brought him great joy. He is also fondly remembered by Scott Hayes, father of his granddaughters Kasey and Samantha. He is also survived by his nephew Sonny Leake and his niece Bettye Pugh and her husband Ed.

Though he wore many titles in his long and beautiful life, the one he cherished most was "Papaw Bill." His family will carry his love and quiet strength in their hearts forever.

The family is deeply grateful for the many friends and loved ones who supported and cared for Bill throughout his life and in his final days.

A service honoring his life will be held on Friday, January 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Scenic Hills United Methodist Church. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.