John Charles Leake, affectionately known as "Billy", was born on May 30, 1940 in Lexington, North Carolina to the late Carl V. Leake, Sr. and Mabel Leake. He lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for many years and was previously from Lumberton, NC.

Billy graduated from JH Haywood High School in Lumberton, NC and worked at R. J. Reynolds High School until his retirement. His passion was cooking, fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with friends.

Billy departed this life on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 in Winston-Salem, NC. Billy was predeceased by his parents, Carl V. Leake, Sr. and Mabel Leake; three brothers: Carl V. Leake, Jr., Dewey Russell Leake and Jim Leake; and one sister, Mabel Leake.

He is survived by his long time companion, Patricia Blue; children, Lorrie Ann Rhodie of Paterson, NJ, Sharon McCrary of Piscataway, NJ, Saundra Leake-Collier of Richmond, VA, John Leake of Orange, NJ & Teresa Leake of Paterson, NJ; siblings, Willie "Tommy" Leake, Sr., Annie Ruth Stevenson and Alice Towns and a host of close friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a private memorial service held. There will be no public viewing of Mr. Leake. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.