William "Bill" Leslie

William “Bill” Leslie, age 75, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

Bill was the son of the late William and Stella Leslie. He is survived in death by five cousins, Carol Smith, Joan Whitesides, Marian Woolley, Virginia Pugh and Robert Wojtowicz. He grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and made his way to Sumter, South Carolina by walking and public transportation.

Mr. Bill, as he was affectionately called by all of his friends in Sumter, was loved by many members of our community. Shortly after arriving in Sumter, he made friends with members of Church of the Holy Comforter and quickly found a place to call home. Father John Sosnowski described Mr. Bill as the self-assigned Keeper of the Kitchen, unassuming caterer of the Sunday morning coffee station, giver of cards, known by his knowledge of history, his humorous hats, and politically informative t-shirts. His friends at Sumter Opera House knew him as one of the most loyal patrons the SOH has ever known. Many others around the city of Sumter knew him as the man who walked everywhere, carrying his green reusable grocery bag, cigar in his mouth, hands clasped behind his back, adorned with a hat (and, at times, one with bunny ears), and always leaning forward. Rainstorms, hail, nor deep darkness would keep him away from getting around town when needed. And, he would never accept an offer for a ride.

If you did not have the chance to know or be known by Mr. Bill, please join his friends on Tuesday, December 21st, 2:00pm at Church of the Holy Comforter as we remember our dear friend and join in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life of Mr. Bill Leslie.

Friends of Mr. Bill would like to say a special thank you the Oncology floor staff at Prisma Health Tuomey and Tuomey Palliative and Hospice Care for their special attention and love that was shared with him during the last two months of his life. You truly were the hands and feet of Christ.

In memory of our special friend of the community, memorials can be made to Church of the Holy Comforter, Bill Leslie (memo), 213 North Main Street, Sumter, South Carolina or the organization of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Bill" Leslie, please visit our floral store.