William James Leece

LEECE, William (Bill) James died peacefully at the age of 89 on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at his apartment at Genesee Gardens, Flint, MI. Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 pm, Friday, September 20, 2024 with visitation from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Sharp Funeral Homes, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI. Entombment will be at Flint Memorial Park beside his beloved Wife, Charlotte Leece. Bill was born in Watertown, New York on April 18, 1935, the son of the late Robert Benjamin Leece and Hilda Lenore (Wood) Leece. Bill graduated from Flint Tech in June of 1953 and married Charlotte (Hart) Leece, on June 27th 1953. He worked at Buick Motor Div. his senior year of High School and was in the National Guard as well and called to action during the Beecher Road F-5 tornado on June 8, 1953. He joined the army and was honorably discharged in 1960. He then worked at Perry Printing Company for the next 40 years, starting as a broom sweeper and moving up to Bindery, Foreman, Production Manager and finally Vice President before he retired in 1997. He was a fastidious worker and took great pride in his home and yard in Flint, MI. He loved golfing, sailing, gardening, boating, reading, puzzles and took great pride in caring for his family. He spent his golden years with his beloved wife, Charlotte, at their "Golden Pond" log cabin on Lake Van Etten. He loved Family Holidays, hosting big family parties for Christmas, Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, as well as Halloween where he was a Master at Pumpkin carving. People in the neighborhood would come every year to look at the elaborate pumpkins he carved. He was also a Master Weber Griller making countless meals on his Weber that were notably delicious. He is survived by his Sisters: Shirley Ransom, Bonnie Killingbeck, Sister in-law: Chris Leece, Brother in-law: Terry Killingbeck, Brother: Gary Leece, Son: Rick Leece, Daughter-in-law: Pepper Leece, Daughter: Cindy Barnes, Grandchildren: Jesse Leece, Rick Leece II & Jenna Barger, Great Grandchildren: Adam Leece, Finn Leece, Roderick Barger, Rick Leece III, Elora Barger and Erika Barger (soon to be born). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding Bill in death are his Wife, Charlotte Leece, his Brother in-law: Dick Ransom, Brother: Robert Leece II, and Son in-law: Daniel Barnes. He will be sorely missed.