Billy James Lee Sr. Obituary (1931 - 2022)

Billy James Lee, Sr., 90 years young, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on August 8, 2022, at his residence with his loving family by his side. Bill was born on October 9, 1931, in Exeter, Missouri. A memorial service was held on August 13, 2022, at the Nazarene Church, including family and friends. The service included military honors with members of the Coast Guard playing "Taps" and a flag presentation. Musicians Ellie Winkler (great-granddaughter) and Pastor Lennie Spooner played his favorite songs, including: "Wildwood Flower" and "Amazing Grace." As Bill Sr. was honored, it was said that he "loved and lived big"! He enjoyed and lived his life to the fullest, every day, for as long as he was able. Neither age, a cane, or a wheelchair slowed him down. Honorary pallbearers included: Taylor Lee, Jack Schroeder, Otis Schroeder, and Bill Lee, Jr. Bill was a member of the Coast Guard. During his time in the Coast Guard, he worked on various construction crews, which taught him skills he would later use. After the military, Bill spent time as a laborer in the construction trade. While Bill was very skilled at construction, music was his life's passion. Over the years, Bill Sr. played in many bands, as well as with the Elks. Bill was a talented and gifted musician. He also taught guitar lessons for several years. Bill loved music and sharing his music with other people. There were many Sundays when he played his guitar in church. He loved his guitar, pickup trucks, boats, ATVs, and motorcycles. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bill Sr. was a musician, a music teacher, a friend, a veteran, a grandfather, a husband, and a father. But most importantly, Bill was a man of God. Bill was a member of the Christian Church for many years; for the last few years, he attended the Nazarene Church. Bill J. Lee, Sr., was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn Lee, his mother Gladys Lee, his father James Lee, and his son Stephen Duane Lee. Survivors include his wife of four and a half years, Wynona Lee, LaYelle Palmer (the mother of his children), daughter Sue Schroder, son-in-law Forrest Schroder, son Bill James Lee, Jr., daughter-in-law, Shandra Lee, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Special friends include Mary Brooks and Melissa Robertson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center through Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Oregon 97814.