William L. ‘Billy’ Leak, of Niles

Published 9:26 am Thursday, August 13, 2015

William L. “Billy” Leak, 70, of Niles, died at 4:47 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1944, in Niles to Marshall and Marian F. (Linn) Leak. Billy was a lifetime resident of Niles.

William L. “Billy” Leak

The heritage of bowling was passed down from the Linn family. Billy excelled at bowling like his brother, Bobby, and their uncle Bud Linn. That his granddaughter carried on the ‘tradition’ made Billy a proud grandfather.

As a fast pitch softball pitcher Billy also made his mark, and he enjoyed golf. He was a member of the Buchanan Moose Lodge and the Niles Eagles Lodge. In addition to working at Clark Equipment Company, he also worked at Garden City Fan and Georgie Boy.

On Dec. 23, 1967, in Niles, Michigan, he married the former Susan L. Mervine with whom he celebrated the Thirty-fourth anniversary of their wedding, prior to her death on Nov. 20, 2002.

Surviving family includes his daughter, Billie Jo Harner of Niles, two grandchildren, and his brother Robert Leak, also of Niles.

The family of William Leak will be hosting a memorial service at a later date. Burial will take place at Mission Hills.

Contributions in his honor may be made to his daughter, Billie Jo. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com