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Judge Bill Leavell Passes

Last Updated on June 17, 2015 6:22 pm

A long serving judge in the area passed away earlier this week, according to Henline-Hughes Funeral Home.

Judge Bill Leavell, 62, passed away on Monday after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer. He had presided over the 24th district, which includes Watauga, Avery, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, before resigning his role on the bench in August 2011. He was first elected as district court judge in 1994.

Though many residents will recall him as a Judge, he will also be remembered for being actively involved with bluegrass music both locally and regionally.

From Henline-Hughes Funeral Home:

Bill Leavell

May 4th, 1953 – June 15, 2015

 

William A. Leavell, III “Bill” passed away June 15, 2015 at the Yancey House having fought a valiant battle with Alzhiemers. Bill is preceded in death by all his grandparents, his father Willam A. Leavell, Jr. And his sister Melanie Leavell. He is survived by his wife Cyndi Leavell, his son William A Leavell IV, “Moses”, his daughter Miriam Leavell, his mother Patty Leavell, his sister Melissa Leavell , a half brother Michael L. Guintard, father and mother in law Rich and Carol Ackner, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and his hiking buddy “Wally”.

Bill served as 4 term 24th District Court Judge in WNC where he championed the safety of women and children and believed in helping those who strayed on the wrong path. He will be remembered as a devoted servant to the Lord, as a father, son and brother and as an advocate for all that bettered his community and his beloved mountains.

For Bill life was an adventure and he possessed a genuine sense of curiosity in everything he encountered. His life was full of energy, wonder and love. He will be missed for his intellect, his gift of bringing joy to others and his wonderful sense of humor, but all who knew him also can rejoice as he lived his life as a pathway to heaven through Christ.

Bill was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church where the family will receive friends Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 12:00PM to 4:00 PM with a funeral service immediately following with Reverend Chris Rathbone officiating. Interment will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Yancey House, Hospice Care of the Blue Ridge or Fork Mountain Fire Department. The family cannot express their gratitude to the entire staff of The Yancey House and Hospice Care of the Blue Ridge.

Henline – Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Leavell family.

Bill Leavell

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