William Lavelle Leachman was born on December 15, 1974, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to Rodney Leachman and the late Darlene Maddox. He spent his early years in Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Redan High School in Stone Mountain and graduated with the Class of 1993.
Shortly after high school, William and Cordliss Jester welcomed a beautiful son, William Sharod Leachman. In time, William returned to Owensboro, where he later married Denisha Buckner. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, DeArial Leachman and Nevaeh Leachman. William was again gifted with fatherhood when he and Crystal Mundy welcomed their daughter, Madisyn Pearl Leachman.
A natural entrepreneur with a heart for people, William began his business journey by opening “Big Will’s,” a corner restaurant that became a gathering place for the community. Whether sharing a meal or “chopping it up” with neighbors young and old, William found joy in being present, accessible, and connected. His passion for uplifting others continued when he joined the staff of the H.L. Neblett Community Center, where he was known for meeting his kids “right where they were” and offering guidance with patience, humor, and genuine care.
William loved deeply and widely. Though he fathered four children, he also cherished the children who came into his life through love: Erius Floyd, Adrienne McDonald, and Kaleah McDonald. He adored his “Play Mom,” Fong Maddox, and found delight in the simple pleasures that made him unmistakably “Will”—big cars, good music, and the warmth of family all around him. His laid‑back southern drawl, easy smile, and open-hearted presence drew people in and made them feel seen, valued, and loved. His absence will be felt profoundly.
William was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Maddox.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving father, Rodney Leachman, and wife, Thomasine Leachman; his grandmother, Magelean Leachman; his brother, Austin Leachman; his aunts, Sharon Kelly, Celeste Gainey, Thomasine Leachman, Anita Payne, and Bonnie Leachman; his uncle, Charles Leachman; his children, William Sherod Leachman, DeArial Leachman, Nevaeh Leachman, and Madisyn Pearl Leachman; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.
William’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the love he gave so freely.