William “Bill” Thomas Lee, Sr., 90, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed from this life to be with the Lord on May 24, 2023. We know there was great joy as he was reunited with his beloved son Barry Alan who departed this life 29 years ago. Led by Rev. Warren Eckhart and Dr. Steve Fowler, a service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 27, 2023 in the main sanctuary of North Monroe Baptist Church, Monroe, Louisiana. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes ~ Monroe.
Bill was born on March 6, 1933 in Oak Grove, Louisiana to Selmah and Marvin Lee. Through the years, Bill shared with family and friends many stories of growing up in Oak Grove, playing football for the Oak Grove Tigers, and dancing with friends to records on the juke box at Pippin’s Cafe. In 1951, Bill went to Northeast Louisiana State College (ULM) where he played football and distinguished himself as a star running back and defensive back. There he met his life-long sweetheart and 1952 Homecoming Queen, Tommie Ann Day, whom he married in 1953. As newlyweds, Bill and Tommie began their life together in Monroe where Bill worked tirelessly and faithfully to support their growing family. Through the years, they were blessed with five sons. In 1969, they moved to Slidell where Bill worked as a builder. Returning to Monroe, Bill worked for the next forty years in real estate development and management and the construction industry. A member of North Monroe Baptist Church, Bill served as deacon and used his knowledge of construction as a member of the building committee even into his eighties. Family was the center of Bill’s life. He cherished his five boys and loved spending time with them. He was proud of the fine men they became. The death of Barry Alan at age 33 was one of the most difficult challenges of his life. Through faith and the love of family and friends, he and Tommie were able to face this loss with courage. Always a sports enthusiast, Bill was an avid LSU fan and relished the many Saturdays spent in Tiger Stadium cheering on his Tigers. If not in Baton Rouge, he watched from his living room where he could be heard around the block offering constructive criticism and words of encouragement to players and officials. When his grandchildren came along, he devoted time to watching their little league, soccer, lacrosse, football, and basketball games even if it meant traveling out of town. His grandchildren knew Daddy Bill was their biggest fan, and they were as proud of him as he was of them. Everyone who knew Bill appreciated his sense of humor and talent for turning a phrase. Though his speech was affected four years ago by a major stroke, he retained his quick wit and gentle disposition. He reminded his family over and over how much he loved them. Those four years were a gift and are treasured. Married almost 70 years, Bill and Tommie began their life together holding hands and continued to do so through Bill’s final days and hours. The family is grateful for not only his life but also for the life he shared with his wife Tommie. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Jack; his son, Barry; his grandsons, William Faser and Thomas Clayton; and his great-granddaughter, Dakota.
To cherish his memory, Bill leaves his wife Tommie Ann Day Lee; children, Bill Lee, Jr., of Jackson, Mississippi, Tony Lee (Bambi) of Shreveport, Louisiana, Clay Lee (Bonnie) of Belton, Texas, Chris Lee (Amy) of Lafayette, Louisiana; six grandchildren, Hannah Lee Camicia (Conor) of Brooklyn, New York; Alex Lee of San Antonio, Texas; Madison Lee (Mary) of Nashville, Tennessee; Walker Lee of Sea Grove, Florida; Christopher and Thomas Lee of Lafayette, Louisiana; and five great grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Bill’s sons, grandsons, and Terry Williams. The family is grateful to the entire staff of Gardens of Somerset, Elara Caring Hospice, Dr. Kerry Anders, Arabia Stephenson, Amy Estep and the many friends who supported them during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to North Monroe Baptist Church or the charity of one’s choice.
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