Bill Leavelle was born in Bagwell, TX on June 11, 1937. He grew up on a hard-scrabble farm and was a hard worker all his life. He had an amazing ability to fix all things, from cars to airplanes to home repair.

Bill spent 4 years in the Navy as an aviation radio technician aboard the USS Forrestal. This sparked his love for planes that would not be fully realized until later in life after a long and successful career for Hewlett-Packard. As his first career wound down, Bill got his pilot's license and his long-time dream was realized. Later, he got his A&P certification, which launched his second career as a light airplane mechanic. He was a fixture at the Lancaster airport, known for his mechanical abilities, working on light planes and jets. He also devoted time and efforts to the Cold War Air Museum at Lancaster airport.

Bill loved his wife, Sandra Leavelle and is survived by her and his sons, Gary & Glen Leavelle.  He also loved and is survived by his grandchildren, Nichole, Laine, Virginia and a great-grandson, Sterling, siblings, Linda and Benny.  He was preceded in death by his parents and multiple siblings. 

Bill was a believer in Jesus and was a charitable soul, helping many people by fixing their cars. He loved flying, learning the limits and abilities of his planes to be the best pilot he could be. His humor was as dry as a West Texas tumbleweed. He will be interred and honored at the DFW Veterans Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. He was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.