William Leys

William E. (Bill) Leys, age 83, of Helena, AL, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, following an extended illness. He was laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

He was born in Evanston, IL on March 17, 1942, to Anne Marie (Gillingham) and George Leys. He attended Decatur High School in Decatur, Ga. and was part of the birth of Rock & Roll in the 1950's with bands "Th' Grabbers" and "Walt Benton & the Diplomats, which signed with 20th Century Fox / Scottie Records. He worked at Dekalb Musician Supply, Co. in Decatur, Ga. as a guitar technician and sales associate along side his friend / rhythm guitarist, Jimmy Atkins (Chet's nephew). It was not uncommon for up and coming artist like Jerry Reed, Billy Joe Royal, Park Hall, and others to stop by.

He served in the U.S.A.F. from 1960 to 1967. He met Karon Lee Rickey of Kiowa County, OK in 1963 and married November, 23, 1963. Karon and Bill had two children and moved from OK back to GA where Bill served as a Deputy Sheriff / Fulton County as well as becoming a prominent business man.

His faithful wife, Karon and her 1st born daughter, Darlene, precedes him in death. He is survived by his son, William E. (Billy) Leys, Jr. (Toshi); and his grandson, Chayton R. Leys.

Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family and country.