William “Billy” Bailey Leeke, born May 4th, 1969, died on Sept. 19, 2025, leaving his two beautiful sons, Liam John and Thomas Farley Leeke. He left them with the knowledge that he loved them deeply, and they are a family of resilience and strength.
Billy was the only child of Mariam Bailey Leeke, deceased in September 2023, and Lyle Leonard Leeke, deceased in April 1990. Billy graduated from high school as a Montague Wildcat, competing in golf, playing the trombone and with academic honors. He attended Northwestern University, where he graduated with academic honors and was a fraternity brother.
At 19 years old, Billy lost his father. The impact was devastating, so he took a year off college and worked in Florida, expanding his knowledge of golf course maintenance and mourned his loss. Billy went to Russia after graduation, where he had the opportunity to assist Eastern Europe with computer science infrastructure. He then worked in the IT department for the largest hospital system in Chicago. While in Chicago, he met his first wife, Heather. The two returned to Montage to help manage the family golf course, Old Channel Trail Golf Course, after his mother, Meriam, was diagnosed with breast cancer. He returned to Chicago after his divorce from Heather and his mother’s recovery, where he met Maggie, the mother of his sons. Billy has also worked in the technology departments for Johnson & Johnson and Apple.
Billy was a very skilled golfer, a technology genius, had a pilot's license, a love for music and a passion for good food. His sons will remember throwing a football across the valley at Old Channel Trail Golf Course, their dad teaching them the game of golf, bike rides and adventurous hikes down to remote areas of Lake Michigan, barbecuing in the snow in the backyard, swimming in the pool at their apartment in the Pink Palace in Chicago, the “Star Wars” soundtrack hummed as he took them to bed and naps with the best cuddles possible.
Liam and Tommy appreciate the love and comfort that they have received from their extended family, coaches, teammates and friends. Liam and Tommy feel truly blessed by the White Lake Community.
A celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 3256 (9370 Walsh Rd, Montague, MI 49437) Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 from 1-4 p.m.
