William Alfred Teasley

William Alfred Teasley passed away at the age of 89 on September 20, 2025. Born in Canton on October 22, 1935, Bill dedicated much of his life to education and community service.

The youngest child of John Robert and Marie Archer Teasley, Bill graduated from Canton High School before earning his degree from Duke University and serving in the Navy from 1956 to 1963. Following his military service, he returned to Canton to teach mathematics at Cherokee High School. In 1964, he met Sylvia Carroll, a new teacher at the school. They married in 1966 in Sylvia's hometown, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Bill and Sylvia moved to Breeze Hill in Canton in 1968 before welcoming their only child, Sarah Elizabeth (Betsy), in 1970.

In his notable career in education, Bill was honored as STAR teacher on two occasions at Cherokee High. He continued his teaching career at the Westminster Schools, retiring in 1995. Beyond education, Bill was a founding director of the North Georgia Savings & Loan and actively participated in local governance, serving on the Canton city council and the state school board.

An avid cyclist, Bill participated in the Bike Ride Across Georgia several times. He was a fervent supporter of Duke athletics and played a significant role as an alumni leader. His community involvement extended to his presidency at the Canton Lion's Club and his founding membership in the Cherokee County Historical Society. Bill's passion for genealogy and trains was well known; he traveled extensively to ride and watch trains, including trips on the famous Orient Express.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sylvia Carroll Teasley; daughter, Betsy Teasley Trope and son-in-law, Eric Trope; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie Archer Teasley and John Robert Teasley; his siblings, Betty Teasley Jollay, Katherine (Kay) Teasley Lovett, Marie (Ree) Teasley Rabb, and John (Bud) Teasley; his nephew, Lance Rabb, and niece, Lucinda Teasley.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM with a service immediately following at Sosebee Funeral Home in Canton, GA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter or History Cherokee.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted educator, a passionate community leader, and a loving family man. His legacy will continue to influence and inspire those who knew him.

Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, Georgia is honored to serve the family of William Alfred Teasley. Sosebeefuneralhome.com 770-479-2131.