I am saddened this morning to inform you that Billy Lea has lost his long battle against cancer and passed away this morning.
Billy was the groundsman at Hilton Park for many a year and was a great character.

RIP Billy my thoughts go out Hilda and his family and freinds.

So very sad to hear this. Billy was a lovely man, and I spent hours chatting to him, and listening to his tales. Used to regularly bump into him, and Hilda when we were all on 'grandparent duties'.

RIP Billy, and thoughts to Hilda and family.

Alan.

Very sad to hear this. My dad, sister & I used to stand with Billy on the terraces before he started videoing games. He always spoke whenever I saw him and he attended my dad's funeral a few years ago.

Condolences to his family. RIP Billy you will be missed by many.

Very sad news. RIP Billy.

Very sad to hear this. Billy was always great for a story and worked with my dad many years ago. A tremendous character and a huge loss I'm sure.

RIP Billy.

Our thoughts & prayers go to Billy's family & close friends
Great bloke and will missed by many.

Very sad news a real character and up until the football moving in the best playing surface in RL at Hilton Park thanks mainly to Billy. RIP

Loved my chats at hp with Billy, RIP Billy and my thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of this great Leyther at this sad time

top man was billy RIP pal

Rest in Peace billy you told it like it was

I worked with Billy, what a character, and what a groundsman, he used to boast he could grow grass on a coconut - and he could. He looked after the ground at Leigh Miners too in his later days and did a good job there. He was very good at his job, at the Council, Leigh Rugby and the Miners and he will be sadly missed by his family and all his many friends.

Sad news RIP

Another sad loss.

RIP

Andy

Very sad at the passing of Billy and Maurice Jones, both of whom meant a lot to me. I'm trying to put together a personal tribute for next week's programme, but it isn't easy!

Very sad news
used to have good chats with billy
he could tell a good tale...

rest in peace Billy

If anyone can pay these guys a fitting tribute Alan you are that person.

It's very sad to lose two guys that have done so much for the town and the club and especially in such close proximity.

A minutes silence will be observed on the 19th in honour of both gentlemen.

I also received terrible news that a lifelong supporter of the club had also passed away this week and I had recently got to know him and classed him and his family as friends so was deeply saddened. I won't name names as it's not right for me to so on here but this terrible disease has taken three Leythers in such a short space of time. Life is not fair at times just hope we can give these guys something to cheer from above this coming year and beyond.

Sad news.
R.I.P.

Andy,

Looking back at the programme for last season's game with Wigan, we paid tribute to a heck of a lot of loyal Leigh fans, who had passed away since the end of the previous season. It's frightening!

We really do need to attract some younger fans!!

I'm devastated to hear this sad news about my lobby gobbling pal, you were and always will be simply the best.
It was a pleasure to work for you and more so to call you a friend.
I'll miss the Wigan/Leigh battles we had and dare I say it you won more than you lost.
Your "pie eating, crust munching, knows nowt " Wigan mate Kev
RIP Billy I'll miss u

Sad day. Always had time to chat with me at my time at the club and a right character.

Legend !

I notice, from The Reporter, that Billy's funeral is next Tuesday (21st) at the Parish Church. Does anyone happen to know yet, what time please?

It is 12 noon at the church.

Thanks 24/7. Been away for a couple of days and just spotted your reply.