Celebrating the life of
Billy Lee
August 04, 1932 - December 21, 2017
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William R. Lee, of Savannah, died Thursday December 21st at the age of 85.
Billy was born at home in Savannah on August 4, 1932 and grew up on West Park Avenue just a block from Forsyth Park. He graduated from Savannah High and attended Armstrong Junior at the Bull Street location. He was a basketball star and a boxer while at Armstrong.
Growing up in a world of high tensions, Billy grew up fast and tough leading him to serve in Korea as a Sergeant First Class in the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. After returning home he tried a stint in the insurance business. Soon realizing his passion for the social scene and community, he left the insurance business to open a bar. Over the years he opened 10 bars total, with McDonough's opening on St Patrick's Day in 1987. Through the years Billy made countless friends and acquaintances, never forgetting a name.
Preceded in death by his: mother, Thelma Kicklighter Lee; father, Joseph Benjamin Lee; sister, Delores Lee Brannen. He is survived by five children: Paige Lee, Russell Lee, Mike Lee, Deborah Lee and Joseph Lee. And four Grandchildren: Hunter Lee, Parker Lee, Graham Lee and Piper Kesler.
In a time when we try to brighten the night with all of the beautiful and twinkling lights of the holiday season and look forward to new beginnings in a new year, Billy decided to start his new beginnings and leave us on the evening of the Winter Solstice, on a new moon, in the last remaining light of the shortest day of the year. It was very powerful and of auspicious timing.
Services for Billy Lee will be Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Fox and Weeks - Hodgson Memorial Dr. 3-4pm visitation and 4pm service. We invite all to come celebrate his life afterwards at McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge to share stories of this incredible man’s life.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Lee family for the loss of your dear loved one. May the love of family and friends as well as the words at “Psalm 147:3” and “2 Corinthians 1:3” continue to help you get through these most difficult times.
- , ,
Known Billy a long time, he loved ridding on our boat. watching Chuck Courtaney navigate through Billy's Furnial Service was great. However, ending the service with a Bag Piper was incredible.
- Seymour, Augusta, Summerville SC & Savannah,
My sincere condolences to Russell and your entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your peace and comfort.
- Sheryl Metz, Sandy, UT
THANKS FOR BEING MY PAL AND SHARRING YOUR FRIENDS. DDERRIER BUDDIES
- JAMES BOND, ASHEVILLE, NC
Billy's father (Joseph Benjamin, ADT Supervisor) was a friend of mine...always a gentleman. Billy, didn't fall far for the tree. When Billy gave his rendition of, " I did it my way." I "kind of," believed he did. Always a gentleman and a friend. I'll miss him. God Bless his family. Warmest, Reds Helmey
- Reds Helmey, Savannah, Ga
I will miss you dearly Billy, what we shared was special it gives me comfort that I gave you comfort to the end. ! I love you
- Deborah “Debbie” McClellan, Savannah, Ga
Billy you were an awesome guy and friend. We have so many shared memories in life. I truly appreciate you helping my daughter while I was gone. Thank you my friend ~Carter
- Billy Carter, ,
Billy was an Amazing Man, always with a Smile on his Face. I met Billy in 1994 and I have never met such a Genuine, Loving and Caring Man! My Deepest Condolences to the Lee Family, Thank you for sharing Billy with all of us in Savannah and beyond...
- Richard Schmidt , Statesboro , GA
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Lee family for the loss of your dear loved one. May the love of family and friends as well as the words at “Psalm 147:3” and “2 Corinthians 1:3” continue to help you get through these most difficult times.
- , ,
Known Billy a long time, he loved ridding on our boat. watching Chuck Courtaney navigate through Billy's Furnial Service was great. However, ending the service with a Bag Piper was incredible.
- Seymour, Augusta, Summerville SC & Savannah,
My sincere condolences to Russell and your entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your peace and comfort.
- Sheryl Metz, Sandy, UT
THANKS FOR BEING MY PAL AND SHARRING YOUR FRIENDS. DDERRIER BUDDIES
- JAMES BOND, ASHEVILLE, NC
Billy's father (Joseph Benjamin, ADT Supervisor) was a friend of mine...always a gentleman. Billy, didn't fall far for the tree. When Billy gave his rendition of, " I did it my way." I "kind of," believed he did. Always a gentleman and a friend. I'll miss him. God Bless his family. Warmest, Reds Helmey
- Reds Helmey, Savannah, Ga
I will miss you dearly Billy, what we shared was special it gives me comfort that I gave you comfort to the end. ! I love you
- Deborah “Debbie” McClellan, Savannah, Ga
Billy you were an awesome guy and friend. We have so many shared memories in life. I truly appreciate you helping my daughter while I was gone. Thank you my friend ~Carter
- Billy Carter, ,
Billy was an Amazing Man, always with a Smile on his Face. I met Billy in 1994 and I have never met such a Genuine, Loving and Caring Man! My Deepest Condolences to the Lee Family, Thank you for sharing Billy with all of us in Savannah and beyond...
- Richard Schmidt , Statesboro , GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
