William Meredith Lee

Born May 25, 1929, on the family dairy farm in DeWitt, Dinwiddie County, he was the last surviving of the seven children of Travis Taylor and Nolie Dillon Lee.

Billy grew up working the farm with his father and three big brothers. He had three doting big sisters but no electricity or running water. Finishing Dinwiddie High School in 1946 in a class of fewer than 20, he entered V.P.I., graduating in 1950 with a degree in animal husbandry. Shirley and he married in 1951, and, after managing a Southern States store in Franklin, Billy was drafted into the Army and served as a second lieutenant 1953-55 in Maryland and Texas. Thereafter he returned briefly to V.P.I. for classes that allowed him to enter the Univ. of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, from which he graduated in 1960.

Returning to Virginia, Billy and Shirley chose Williamsburg as their new home, and in 1961 they purchased the only local veterinary practice. In those days, the local vet treated everything— dogs, cats, farm animals, horses, and birds—and did so at all hours. While primarily serving the growing suburban population in and around Williamsburg, Billy’s greatest interest was in cattle, so he established a farm, “War Hill,” on Longhill Road, when that was a quiet country lane. War Hill later operated also as a bed and breakfast, where Billy and Shirley delighted in entertaining countless guests from across the country.

Billy was a founding member of Wellspring United Methodist Church and served on the planning commission of James City County. In 1977-78, he was president of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association; in 1979, he was named Virginia’s Veterinarian of the Year.

Billy is survived by three children and their spouses (Will and Cherie Lee, Cindy and Brad Peaseley and Suzanne and Meade Browder); by eight grandchildren; by five great-grandchildren; and by Gary and Karen Poulos, special friends whose loving devotion the Lee family treasures beyond words.

On February 22, at noon, Wellspring United Methodist Church will host a service in Billy’s memory. All are invited.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wellspring United Methodist Church, 4871 Longhill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.