Leland Williams Obituary

Leland Benjamin Williams

February 23, 2026

WISE, VA - Leland Benjamin Williams, 91, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was born near Flint, Michigan but his family moved to Southwest Virginia when he was a young boy and he lived the remainder of his 91 years in Scott or Wise County. He will be buried near his parents in the Jessee cemetery in Wise, a private graveside family service, with Masonic rites.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Phyllis Bolling Williams. Also, his four children, Leland Randal (Laura) of Nashville, TN; Julie Williams Dixon (Cabot) of Raleigh and Bakersville, NC; Benjamin Carlton of Nashville TN; and Damon Lindley (Melanie) of Beaufort, SC. Grandchildren include Sylvan Williams, Aaron Williams, Rob Gordon, Walker Dixon, Sydney Boggs, and Julia Williams. One great granddaughter Selah Lee Williams, and great grandson Theo Boggs. Survived by one sister Margret Mairoello and many other nephews and nieces.

Leland was a graduate of the Wise Technical School and was a sought-after master machinist. After several early jobs, he then spent more than 25 years working at Beth Elkhorn in Jenkins, Kentucky where he rose in the ranks and retired from there as a shop supervisor. After a brief try at retirement, he then returned to work at Joy Manufacturing in Duffield, VA where he worked for another 6 years until May of 1997. He then enjoyed almost 29 years of retirement.

He was an avid genealogist, spending countless hours researching his family lines by visiting courthouses and cemeteries, and searching out cousins who might help piece together the colorful histories of his ancestors. Family was deeply important to him, and he never ceased gathering stories and details of those who came before. He was a brilliant storyteller and could turn a phrase in a most unique way. He never forgot anything. His stories were detailed with names, dates, locations, and conversational exchanges. He has left us with much family lore and history to enjoy.

He was affectionately known by family and friends as Big Lee, or Big Daddy. He enjoyed nothing more than long drives through the country, where it was not unusual for him to stop and talk to complete strangers at length.

Leland was also an avid NASCAR fan and traveled to many venues over the years following the sport. He enjoyed working on cars and could fix anything.

The family would like to acknowledge the loving attention Leland received from his long-time caregiver, Ginger Stallard, who is considered part of the family.

In lieu of flowers if you want to make a gift in Leland's name, the family requests contributions to Shriners Children Hospital. You can make a gift by calling 1-855-365-4438. To mail your gift using a check or money order: Shriners Hospitals for Children P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438. You can also make your gift online.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.