William "Bill" Lee, PhD

Bill moved from Tennessee to Stuart, Florida with his family as a teenager and graduated from Martin County High School. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in electrical engineering, Rollins College with an MBA, and was awarded a PhD from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

When he completed his PhD, Bill accepted a position at the University of Houston where became a tenured professor and Chairman of the Department of Systems and Operations Management. He founded SOM Associates, a consulting company, and later joined Deloitte as a Partner. Among other roles, he was a National Partner for Education and Research. He traveled worldwide as a respected management consultant. He authored over thirty articles in professional journals and published three management books. Bill ended his career as Associate Dean for Executive Education and Professor of the Practice of Management at Rice University.

Bill was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13 and served on The Board of the San Jacinto Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He was on the Board of Houston Metropolitan Ministries (now Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston). Bill was a member of St. Philip Presbyterian Church for 52 years where he served in many roles including treasurer, trustee, elder, and deacon.

Bill enjoyed traveling the world with Jane but his favorite places to spend time were Stuart, Florida; Estes Park, Colorado; and Galveston Island where they had a second home for many years. Perhaps most of all, he adored being with his grandchildren, Barclay Davis, Philip Davis, Alyssa Davis, and Abigail Lee.

Bill is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Beverly Lee Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Braden Lee; and sister, Becky Lee Ingram. He is also survived by his daughter, Karen Lee Davis and her husband Ric, and his son, Richard William Lee and his wife Betty Barnett Lee.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at The Hallmark, especially Deborah Davis, and Gail Williams with Homewatch CareGivers.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 22nd of January, at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe Street in Houston. Those unable to attend may access the livestream by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the “Services” section below.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at the church.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mr. Lee’s name be directed to St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe Street, Houston, Texas, 77056.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.