WILLIAM LEACH

He was born February 5, 1954, in Martins Ferry, Ohio to the late Nelda (Mathews) Leach and William V Leach.

He worked at Wheeling Downs and was a long-time basketball official and umpired slow pitch softball on Sundays. Anyone who knew him, knew his love of sports, and this continued from childhood years, playing and coaching little league, up until his late 50s when he was still competing in softball games. When his health would no longer allow him to participate, he enjoyed announcing and keeping the books. He was a true Martins Ferry fan and could be found in the stands at most sporting events cheering on his Riders. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan and enjoyed going to games when he could. His most beloved sport, by far, was basketball at all levels, and despite his hospitalization during the NBA finals, he was overjoyed when his Boston Celtics won the 2024 championship!

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Nelda Leach. He is survived by 4 sisters, Robin (Mark) Zink of Bridgeport, Karen McCracken of Wheeling, Jenel (Rob) Duncan and Shelly (Albie) Lutz, both of Martins Ferry, 1 brother Rick (Lisa) Leach of Ona, WV. He is survived by 4 children, Derek (Emily) Leach of Wheeling, Courtney (Chuck) Watson of Adena, Ryan Leach of Athens, OH, and Bryce Leach of Essex Junction, Vermont. He has 4 grandchildren, Michael and Lucas Leach, and Ava and Charlie Watson as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Wilson Funeral Home Heslop Chapel 415 Walnut Martins Ferry on Tuesday July 23 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at Heslop’s on Wednesday, at 11am, with Rev. Nancy DeStefano officiating interment at Holly Memorial Pleasant Grove.

To leave the family a condolence please visit www.wilsonfumeral homes.com