Bill Leach

Born in Henderson, Texas, Bill, or “Billy” as he was known locally by family and friends, was the second son of Mabel Gregory and Phillip Leach. He was quite the character as his family would learn later when he captivated them with hilarious stories of his childhood. For example, he tried to “sell” his younger sister when she first arrived on the scene. After going door to door and finding no takers, the doctor offered to take her back, but Bill relented as he said he had “sort of gotten used to her in that crib against the front wall.” His mother often quipped that “he was always broadcasting, but never tuning in.” His antics were many as he grew up in both Henderson and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Juxtaposed to his antics was a softer side to spiritual things as he chose to attend church by himself as a nine-year-old boy. Even then, God was drawing him to Himself.

He graduated from Henderson High School where he pursued all manner of year-round sports—football, basketball, and baseball. He was offered various sports scholarships to Sam Houston, Baylor, and a professional farm team for baseball. He instead chose to walk on at the University of Texas where he played his freshman year.

The coaches recognized his talent and knew of his financial need (as he was working full time to pay his way through college) and they told him to return his sophomore year to negotiate some help, but due to a shoulder injury that he kept to himself alongside his immediate financial need, he chose not to return. He always said that was the greatest regret of his life as he loved baseball.

He graduated with a business degree from the University of Texas and began working for Humble Oil Company—later to become Exxon Mobil. He completed his field training on the King Ranch and in Mississippi before working as a Senior Systems Analyst in his later years. He logged 37 years with the company before taking a sweet, well-deserved, early retirement deal to begin building townhomes.

It was while working on the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, that he met his beautiful wife, Mary Ann Koontz. She too was a graduate of the University of Texas and worked for Humble Oil in the Kingsville office as a secretary. Her prankster boss told Bill he had a “good-looking blonde” he wanted him to meet. As most know, Mary Ann has coal-black hair. Thus, when he went to meet her, he had no idea she would be the one with whom he would spend the next 61 years of his life.

They married on July 20th, 1963, and lived in Kingsville, Corpus Christi, and finally Houston, Texas, where they raised their four children—Jeff, Cheryl, Karen, and Jason.

Bill was active in Spring Woods United Methodist Church as his greatest wish was that all his children would first know the Lord, and second—attend college at his expense as he knew how difficult it was to pay his own way.

He was a beloved little league football and baseball coach who spent many hours on the field not only teaching the skills and tactics of the games themselves, but rather helping to better the players in the most important aspects of their lives. Mary Ann often said that he spent more time “preaching than coaching.”

Bill was preceded in death by his older brother, James, and younger sister, Melba.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Mary Ann, and four children: Jeff and wife Jill, Cheryl and husband Chris Buskirk, Karen Leach & Eric Lacey, Jason and wife Leslie. Grandchildren: Brandon and fiancé Gina, Blake and wife Barbara, Courtney and husband Drew, David, Jonathan, Jeremy and wife Cat, Jentry, Jessie, and Evie. Great grandchildren: Nora, and Lydia. Half siblings: Robert, Don, Tami, and Geneva. Beloved cousin: Thurman.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the three following recipients:

Spring Woods United Methodist Church: Download Tithely App, search for Spring Woods, UMC

Shriners Hospital: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/fundraiser/5720731

St. Jude’s Hospital: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8503554&fr_id=154020&pg=personalFuneral Service

Online Facebook Live Service

Spring Woods United Methodist Church Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/springwoodsumc/live_videos

A Celebration of Life will occur on Friday September 27, 2024 at Spring Woods United Methodist Church 1711 Cypress Creek Parkway Houston, TX 77090 at 11:00AM. A reception will immediately follow in the Great Hall. A Graveside service will occur on Saturday September 28, 2024 at 3:00PM at Oakwood Cemetery Toup Road, Refugio, Texas 78377. Baseball attire is encouraged at the graveside service.