W J. " BILL" LEACH

On Sunday May 10, 2009, Daddy was freed from the bondage of his earthly body and his triumphant spirit soared to heaven to continue eternity in the presence of the living God! W. J. (Bill) Leach was born June 28, 1928 in Graham, Texas to J. T. and Elfie Leach. At a very young age he committed himself to the service of Jesus Christ. He graduated from Graham High School and at the age of 16 years went to Abilene Christian College. While at ACC, he met Joyce Vernell Wilson who became the love of his life. Daddy graduated with a degree in Education in 1948 and earned a Masters Degree in Bible and Greek in 1968. On September 3, 1948 he married his love and they embarked on a 55 year love story. Two children were adopted into this union, Victor, at the age of 19 months, and Sheri at the age of 6 hours. Daddy served the Lord faithfully all of his life. He was a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ for many years. He was employed by C & W Enterprises for the last 20 years of his working life, retiring on February 10, 1997. On February 11, 1997, Daddy'™s life was forever changed when his beloved wife suffered a stroke that left her unable to care for herself. He lovingly cared for his wife for 5 years until his own health started to begun to decline. Never selling himself as extraordinary, he, in his own words that he had, 'œjust kept a promise made 55 years earlier'�. He was preceded in death by his parents and by the wife he cherished. Also celebrating his arrival in heaven are grandchildren lost birth. Left to treasure his memory is a son, Victor, of Rosharon; daughter; Sheri Matthews and her husband, Mike; granddaughter, Brandi Banda and her husband, Mario and their four children Camryn, Alexus, Bryanna, and Mario all of San Angelo; grandson, Ryan Matthews and his special friend, Rachel Levine of Austin. Brothers-in-law, Laverne Wilson and his wife, Lera of Smyer, TX; J. W. Wilson and wife, Billie of Kerrville; Coy Lee Wilson and his wife, Mary of Wink; sister-in-law, Winona Derington and her husband, Charles of Odessa; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive Bill. Many thanks to the staff of Sagecrest Alzheimer'™s Care Center for 6 years of exceptional care and to Baptist Hospice for lovingly caring for Daddy for the last 10 days. Services to celebrate Daddy'™s life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Christian Church of San Angelo, 4064 S. Bryant, with Bob Beaver officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Sagecrest Alzheimer'™s Care Center, 438 Houston Harte, San Angelo, TX 76903 'œAs Daddy'™s daughter, I don'™t remember the words of sermons heard over the years but I will always remember and cherish the sermon that he lived daily.'�