William Leckie “Bill” Kell Jr., 71, of Gary, WV, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020 at the McDowell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gary. Born July 22, 1948 in Bluefield, WV, he was the son of the late Dawn Absher Kell and William Leckie Kell Sr. He was also a proud great grandson of Colonel Andrew Leckie who helped settle McDowell County.
Bill was a graduate of Paul Blazer High School in Ashland, KY, he went on to graduate from Marshall University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama. Bill was a dedicated award-winning educator and taught in the McDowell County School System for 36 years. He taught at Iaeger Intermediate, Welch Junior High School, and retired from Mount View High, where he was well known as the Voice of the Mount View Golden Knights football team.
William was also a member of The Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was also a former member of the Welch and Kimball Rotary Clubs. He had a distinguished career in scouting and served on the Executive Board of the Appalachian Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow and held the rank of Vigil Honor. Bill was also the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award the local council can present for service to youth.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant twin brother Howard Kell.
Those left to cherish his memories are one brother, Robert “Bob” Kell and wife Martha of Margate, FL; and his special friends and caregivers Ed and Lynda Evans of Welch and their family.
A Private Graveside Committal Service will be conducted Friday, April 3, 2020 at 12 Noon from the Monte Vista Park Cemetery, Ceres, WV, with Rev. Michael Brown, officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Buckskin Council, 2829 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25311. Due to the current health situation, there will be no visitation.
The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is assisting the Kell family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com