William “Bill” Leeka Jr.

William “Bill” F. Leeka Jr.

January 18, 1938 – September 15, 2026

William “Bill” F. Leeka Jr., 88, passed away on September 15, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born in Los Angeles, California, Bill lived a life filled with family, sports, teaching, friendship, and plenty of sunshine. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, teacher, and friend whose charisma, humor, and larger-than-life personality made him hard to forget. A gifted athlete, Bill played football at UCLA, where he earned All-American and All-Pacific Coast honors, and later played professional football. But football was only one of the many sports he loved. Over the years, Bill played baseball and pickleball, ran marathons, taught tennis, and—perhaps most memorably—became “a beach volleyball legend” on the beaches of Southern California. Bill was Southern California through and through. He seemed to always have a tan, whether from his years playing football at UCLA or countless hours spent on the beach. In the early 1960s, he even spent time as a contract actor with 20th Century Fox—a fitting chapter for a man known throughout his life for his charisma and dastardly good looks. Beyond athletics, Bill had a passion for teaching and spent years educating and encouraging students in both Los Angeles and Charlotte. His faith was an important part of his life. He often spent hours in the evening reading the Bible and reflecting on his Christian faith. He also knew how to enjoy life. He loved dancing with his wife, Georgia, a good margarita, and being surrounded by the people he loved. Bill is survived by Georgia, his wife of 61 years; his children and grandchildren; and the family and friends who loved him. He will be missed and fondly remembered.