William Henry Leslie, Jr.

William H. Leslie, 89, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at University of Cincinnati Hospital. Bill was born on November 23, 1935. At age seven his family moved to Bromley, Kentucky in a house just three doors from the Bromley Fire Station. His father William Leslie Sr. joined the fire department and became Captain of the Life Squad, Treasurer and President. Young Bill spent so much of his time hanging at the Bromley Fire Station that the members declared him to be the department mascot when he was thirteen years old. At age eighteen Bill officially joined the Bromley Fire Department. He has held every rank in the fire department from firefighter to Lieutenant, Drill Master, Assistant Chief and eventually being elected fire chief and serving as chief for 14 years. Bill Leslie was active in the Bromley Fire Department for a total of 65 years. He responded to a number of major fires and emergencies during his career including the Duro Paper Bag Factory fire which burned an entire city block, the American Airlines plane crash that killed everyone on board, a party boat fire on the Ohio River and several mutual aid fires including the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire.

Bill married Georgia Mae Vanover in 1965 and the two have been married for 67 years. Georgia joined the Bromley Fire Department and became one of the departments first female squad members. Bill and Georgia's daughter Michaele was also a member of the life squad and son-in-law John Matz spent time as Bromley's fire chief. All told, the Leslie family has spent a total of 197 years of active service with the Bromley Fire Department.

Bill Leslie attended his first Kentucky Firefighters Association Conference in 1969 and has attended nearly every conference since. He has served on the Historical Committee, Audit Committee, Resolution Committee and Constitution and By-Laws Committee. Bill has been called the Un-official photographer of the KFA for his hundreds of photographs taken during the many conferences that he has attended.

Bill Leslie mentored many young firefighters during his distinguished career. Many of them moved on to the public service careers after their time with the Bromley Volunteer Fire Department. The lessons that they were taught, and the successes that they have achieved, are a testament to Bill Leslie.

Survivors include his loving wife, Georgia Mae Leslie of Crestview Hills; daughter, Michaele (John) Matz of Villa Hills; Granddaughters, Danielle (Adam) Prince and Karissa Matz and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Leslie, Sr. and Elizabeth Leslie Nee: Wilson; sisters, Elizabeth Ann Putthoff and Pat Doane.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at 12:30 PM all in Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home, 316 Elm Street, Ludlow, Kentucky, 41016.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kenton County Fire Chiefs Association, designated to the Drill Fields Fund. Kenton County Fire Chiefs Association, P.O.Box 175, Independence, KY 41051

Interment will be in Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.