William Richard Leachman

It is with great sadness that the Leachman family of Parkersburg announces the passing of William “Bill” Richard Leachman, 85, on May 10, 2026. He passed peacefully with his daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughter, Taylor May, by his side.

Bill is survived by his son, William "Todd" (national collegiate champion skier and earned a Master’s degree in city planning) and granddaughter, Mattole; daughter, Jennifer (played basketball at Georgia Tech and went on to be a hall of fame water skier) and granddaughter, Taylor (proudly carries the family torch as an elite-level skier and accomplished businesswoman) and great-grandson Maximilian van Maasdijk. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jayne W. Leachman of Belpre, in 2014, and by his first wife, Karen Leachman, in 2015.

Born in Marietta on February 11, 1941, Bill was the son of decorated WWII veteran William Harold Leachman and Parkersburg real estate developer Leta Mae Leachman. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1959, where he played on the 1958 state championship basketball team, before earning a basketball scholarship to West Virginia Wesleyan College and graduating with a business degree.

Bill later partnered with his mother to develop Lakeview Estates and other commercial and industrial projects throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley during the 1960s and 1970s. He also served two terms on the Wood County School Board, where he helped modernize local schools and athletic facilities while promoting partnerships between schools and local businesses.

A strong supporter of the community, Bill was also a longtime sponsor of the annual Kids Golf Classic benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the organization. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/boys-club-of-parkersburg-inc/friends-and-family-of-bill-leachman

Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made together waterskiing on the Ohio River, a tradition Bill began in the 1960s that grew into a lifelong passion shared across generations. He also had a lifelong passion for cars and racing, always appreciating speed, competition, and the thrill of the drive.

More than any accomplishment, Bill will be remembered as a loyal friend; a dedicated coach and mentor in both sports and life; and his children’s biggest supporter. He believed deeply in hard work, perseverance, and doing the right thing even if it was hard. His influence shaped not only his own family but also the many people whose lives he touched through his guidance, friendship, and unwavering support.

Bill was proud of the accomplishments of his children. His son, Todd, was a national collegiate champion skier and earned a master's degree in city planning; his daughter, Jennifer, played basketball at Ga Tech and went on to be a hall of fame water skier; and his granddaughter, Taylor May, proudly carries the family torch as an elite-level skier and accomplished businesswoman.

Memorial services will be held at Parkersburg North Baptist Church on June 6 at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of life at Buzzie Dils Park at 2:00-5:00 p.m. The family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Lambert-Tatman of Vienna is honored to assist the Leachman family.