William Edward Leedy

Published 4:06 pm Monday, December 23, 2024

William Edward Leedy, known affectionately to all as Coach Bill Ed Leedy, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Ft. Logan Hospital in Stanford, KY. Born on October 13, 1928 Benham, KY to the late Ralph Edward and Margaret Baldwin Leedy. He is the widower to the late Geraldine “Jerry” Hoskins Leedy.

Bill Ed’s journey to become “Coach” was marked by relentless passion. After graduating from Stanford High School in 1946, he spent a year as a counselor at the School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh, PA, before earning his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1951. He served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and later married his love, Geraldine “Jerry” Hoskins. He spent his career shaping students’ lives at schools throughout Kentucky, including Harrodsburg High School, Carlisle High School, Henry County High School, Stanford High School and Lincoln County High School. He served as Head Football Coach, Assistant Basketball Coach, and Head Golf Coach through the years in addition to being the first head coach of the Lincoln County Patriots football program. He also worked part-time as a groundskeeper at Dix River Country Club until the age of 87 and was a timekeeper for LCHS Basketball from 1976-2012.

Above all, Bill Ed was a man of faith and service. A proud member of the Stanford Christian Church, he served in multiple roles, including Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Elder, Board Chairman, and Sunday School Superintendent. His love for sports was only surpassed by his love for his family. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his dedication to his morning coffee clubs at Begley’s, Dairy Queen, McDonalds, and Coleman’s brought him immense joy.

Survivors include one son, Eddie Leedy (Kelly) of Lexington, KY; two daughters, Mary Jo Baker of Richmond, KY, Carol Ann Ferguson (Andy) of Preachersville, KY; Sandy Reyes (Robert) of Berea, KY; seven grandchildren, Ragan Knuckles (John), Erin Reesman (David), Jared Leedy (Erin), Sidney Hatcher (Casey), Will Baker (Aubrey), Jessie Ferguson and Laura Ferguson; ten great-grandchildren, Hunter, Alex, Landon, Logan, Kirra, Easton, Ridge, Bennett, Rory and Quinn; one sister, Linda Gilliam; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Leedy; parents, Ralph and Margaret Leedy; one daughter, Nancy Ellen Leedy; three sisters, Mary Fred Schnitzler, Bay Harris and Lou Jean Grimes; and one granddaughter, Jenny Goggin.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stanford Christian Church. The funeral service will be on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Jeremy Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Springs Cemetery.