Pastor W.C. Leake was born Friday,  February 24, 1933 in Hernando, Desoto County, Mississippi.  On Monday, October 7, 2019; in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, at the age of 86 years, he looked and saw a door open in heaven. And the voice of God, saying "come up here" and crossed into everlasting life.

Born in the D elta during systemic racial times ; to Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Erma Leake; Children's Grandchildren are the crown of the aged. Superintendent Leake's life foundation was molded by his g randmother, Mrs. Minnie Leake ; whose home his life began . A "real country boy" as a child, he could be found working in the cotton fields, gin house and farm.  His grandmother is credited with teaching him life and independent living skills; as well how to survive life. As a boy, he later relocated to Memphis with his mother and siblings, and his life's journey began.

Pastor W.C. Leake was employed at Memphis Furniture and Ivers & Pond - Antique Piano Shop; retired as a supervisor was a celebrated and decorated employee. His employment would prepare him for the next chapter of his life.  God said, " It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. " While working at Memphis Furniture Company, he met the love of his life, a beautiful Holy Ghost filled preacher's daughter from Crenshaw, Mississippi -Elizabeth Lockhart .

On March 19, 1954, he married Elizabeth Lockhart they served God, lived , laughed and loved for 59 years until separated by death on Monday, April 8, 2013. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  To this union four children were born. H is wife desired her husband to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. This marked the genesis of his Christian walk.

Pastor W.C. Leake joined Rose Chapel Church of God In Christ in Crenshaw, Mississippi under the pastorate of his father-in-law , Elder Lester Lockhart at the age of 24 he surrendered his life to Christ.  His brother-in-law knew the Lord had more for Brother Leake admonished him; " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." They fasted and prayed together for three days.  Subsequent to hearing testimonies of others, Brother Leake desired to be filled with the Holy Ghost.    He told the Lord , "If you close that keyhole you can fill me with the Holy Ghost . While lying in bed on that eve he received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and he begin to speak in tongues in his bed. With a servant's heart, he was very active in his church and never missed a service.

Pastor W.C. Leake was ordained an Elder in the Church in God in Christ in 1960 . Upon the demise of his pastor and at the request of the members of Rose Chapel Church of God in Christ, he was appointed pastor. He fed the flock for six months until God spoke to h im and admonished Pastor Leake to establish a ministry in Memphis, Tennessee . He established Austria Church of God in Christ | Leake s Temple Church of God in Christ which he served 61 years.

A great pastor, humanitarian, philanthropist, and mentor; the number of souls added to the body of Christ cannot be quantified, as a result of the life of Pastor Leake. His life's work facilitated the awarding of the Key s to the City (Memphis) by former Congressman Harold Ford Sr.

Pastor W.C. Leake was preceded in death by his parents; Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Erma Leake; grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Leake;  wife, District Missionary Margie "Elizabeth" Leake; daughter Bennette Paige; son : Willie Charles Leake, and sister, Geraldine Massey; brother, Willie Johnson .

"Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names." Although Pastor W.C. Leake has entered into eternity, he will live on through the lives of those who remain.  Those left to cherish is memory: Sons; Melvin Leake, Elder Carl Leake Sr.

"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." Pastor Leake leaves 15 grandchildren and a host of great great-great grandchildren .  He also leaves behind a host of family, friends, and the Leake s Temple Church of God in Christ.

The Family has requested that you would join them for a Visitation Service to be held on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 5pm until 6:30pm at the Leakes Temple Church of God In Christ 974 Florida Street, with a Memorial Service to follow. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 10am at Gethsemane Garden Church Of God In Christ 1740 Vollintine Ave, Memphis, TN 38107.