William Carey "Billy" Deriso, a prominent figure in Leslie, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. He was 67 years old. A graveside service will be held in his honor on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Leslie City Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Tommy Mason. The family will greet friends following the service at Leslie Community Church.
Billy Deriso was born on October 22, 1956, in Americus, Georgia, to the late Bill Calvin Deriso and Essie Mae Faircloth Deriso. He owned and operated Leslie Hardware from 1993 until 2009 before working for Lowes, Shiver Lumber Company, and Miller Auto Parts. He also served as Mayor of Leslie and was a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan. Billy was a member of Leslie Methodist Church.
He is survived by his daughters, Lindsay Deriso King of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Elizabeth Deriso Ekkel of Americus, as well as his siblings, Alice Parker, David Deriso, and Timmy Deriso. Billy also leaves behind six grandchildren.
Condolences poured in on social media. "My condolences go out to his family," wrote Tosha Mcghee. Diana Bowerman added, "My condolences!!"
Billy Deriso was preceded in death by his wife, Toni Poupard Deriso, as well as his siblings, Carol Teague and Donnie Deriso.