William Joseph Ley

William (Bill) Joseph Ley, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Wesley Woods in Newnan, GA surrounded by his family. Born in Covington, KY, on January 15, 1931, to the late George and Margaret Ernstes Ley, Bill grew up in Greensburg, IN. He was a graduate of Greensburg High School. He received his BS from Xavier University and his MBA from Georgia State University. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. His comptroller/accountant career took him to Atlanta where he met and married the love of his life, Merle, eventually selling his beloved Austin Healey to support their soon-to-be growing family. Bill was hardworking, patient, gentle, honest, and humble. He had an infectious smile accented with a twinkle in his baby blues and a great sense of humor. He also was an avid reader, history buff, family historian, boater, fisherman, investor and loved a good cold beer with a great conversation. He never forgot a kindness. A man of strong Catholic faith, Bill served many years in the Knights of Columbus. Above all, he had an unquestionable love for his family. After retiring, Bill and Merle enjoyed life on the road in their RV. They were full time travelers and visited 49 states, Canada, and Mexico. Settling on the Florida gulf coast, they enjoyed many years of beautiful sunsets before moving to Newnan, GA to be closer to family in 2019. Along with his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Bob Ley (Jean), and grandson Jackson Ley. He is survived by his wife, Merle Zellner Ley; children, Tom, Beth Quick (Scott Quick), Jim (Nancy), Jonathan (Beth); grandchildren, Jake Quick, Zach Quick, Joe Ley (Jessica), Kris Ley, Katie Ley, Avery Ley, Ansley Ley, Addison Ley, and one great grandchild Henry Ley. Bill is also survived by his brother, Dick Ley (Lil); sister, Betty Burkhart and many wonderful nieces, nephews and extended family. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Wesley Woods and Homestead Hospice for their care in his final days. A memorial service celebrating the life Bill lived will be Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan, GA with Rev. Darcie Jones officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Casual Dress. A fall graveside service will take place in Bill's hometown of Greensburg, IN. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill's name to St Jude's Children's Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

William Joseph Ley

January 15, 1931 - July 1, 2022