William James Cleveland passed away on September 5, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  He was born on November 5, 1954 in Chillicothe, Ohio to John and Betty Cleveland. Will graduated from Chamblee High School in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. He continued his education at The Ohio State University and later at Wright State University where he graduated with a degree in economics and coached the men's and women's tennis teams from 1979-1983. In 1988, Will relocated to Fort Wayne where he was named general manager of Wildwood Racquet Club. In 2000 he and Lee Ann Berning became business partners and owners of Wildwood until 2023.

Will was a lifetime member of the USTA. He was a past president of the Northern Indiana Tennis Association, a past clinician for the USTA schools and a USTA zonal head coach. Will was honored by the USTA Midwest Section as the recipient of the prestigious Cap Leighton award in 1991, which is given to the teaching professional who contributes most to his tennis community. He was recognized as the 1992 USPTA Indiana Professional of the Year and in 1994 attained the coveted designation of USPTA Master Professional. In 1999, Will was the first recipient of the USPTA Midwest Division Facility Manager of the Year award.

Will is remembered and missed by his dear friend and business partner, Lee Ann Berning, brother, Andy Cleveland, sister, Marge and favorite brother-in-law, John Gianopoulos. His extended family includes beloved nieces and nephews: Beth (Brad) Hardyman, Mary Cleveland (Dan Peterson), Andrea Cleveland (Jake Neimeier), Michael (Sally) Gianopoulos, AJ Gianopoulos (Audrey Asher) and Sarah Gianopoulos Paige (Dan), 6 great-nieces and nephews:  Jack and Isabelle Anticoli, Cary and Andi Peterson and John and Liam Gianopoulos.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, 2025 at Coyote Creek Golf Club, 4935 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46818 from 2pm - 5pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Soup Kitchen ( stmarysfw.org ), Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer ( verabradley.org/donate ) or The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission ( fwrm.org ).         GAME    SET    MATCH