William "Bill" Franklin Lee

William (Bill) Franklin Lee, 88, of Arlington, went to be with Jesus on January 17, 2021 surrounded at home by his loving family. Bill was born in Rome, Georgia on December 3, 1932 to Lloyd and Amy Lee. The family later moved to Anniston, Alabama where Bill graduated from Anniston High School. Soon after graduating, Bill joined the United States Air Force. After serving 4 years, Bill entered college at The University of Texas at El Paso where he completed his B.A. degree. While he worked on his bachelor’s degree, Bill and his first wife, Sara Lee, were the first cottage parents at Lee and Beulah Moor Children’s Home in El Paso, where they cared for up to 18 boys at a time in their cottage. After college graduation, his first career position was with General Motors in El Paso. He was then recruited by Texas Instruments of Dallas and then later worked for General Dynamics. After that, he worked for Montgomery Ward, Foley’s, and retired with Dillard’s at the age of 70.

Bill had many passions in life including family, gospel music, softball, large dogs (especially German Shepherds), and was an avid sports fan coaching from his favorite chair in his living room. He sang in church choirs most of his adult life. He also sang in small ensembles and would sometimes be coerced into singing “Ol’ Man River” as a solo, using his deep bass voice. He played softball for most of his life until age 80. He pitched a wicked softball and received accolades from his fellow team members and fans in the stands.

Bill married Vicki Lee on July 3, 1980. They had known each other from singing in the choir at First Baptist Church in Arlington, TX. Later, they reconnected at a Christian singles mixer and were married 6 weeks later. They have raised a family together and been each other’s constant companion for over 40 years. They assembled a beautiful blended family. Bill and Vicki have been active members of Fielder Church in Arlington for 28 years. They both have had a passion for singing in the choir, and went out into the community sharing their love of music with older adults in nursing homes and memory care facilities.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jo Ann Marcotte. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Vicki Lee, one brother, Jerry Lee, a son, David Lee and wife Tara, daughters, Mindy Lee Carlson and husband Chris, Mary Ellen Burch and husband Greg, Shannon Link and husband Jarrod, Rebecca Scott and husband Joey, and 13 grandchildren, Blake Burch and wife, Bekah, Kyle Link, Nathan Link, Carson Link, Ashley Gasperoni and husband Joe, Taylor Murphy, Morgan Murphy, Reagan Speer, Jacob Carlson, Katie Carlson, Leia Carlson, Ben Carlson, and extended family.

If desired, the family suggests donations to Fielder Church Forever Praise Choir or World Vision made in memory of Bill Lee.