William “Billy” Lee, of Burgaw, died July 23, 2015, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center after a courageous and valiant fight. He was 69.
Mr. Lee is survived by his wife of 52 years, Faye Lee; children, Kathy Rowland and Billy Lee; sisters, Faye Santoni (John), Elizabeth Stonestreet, Melba Lee and Debbie Eason (Donald); brother, Charles Lee (Eileen); grandchildren, Brandon Combs, Christopher Babson, Sean Babson and Madison Myers; and loyal companion, Rambo.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Lee; father, Lewis Lee; sister, Nelda Lassiter; and brother, Edward Lee.
Billy was a longtime military man, a veteran who served honorably in the European Theatre and Vietnam. He served in law enforcement with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Justice. He also served as chief of police with the U.S Army Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point. He then worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers until his retirement in 2005. He continued to work with Pender County Sheriff’s Department.
Billy was greatly loved and respected by friends and colleagues. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
The family would like to give special recognition to his niece, Subrina Bergan, for her support and to all the nurses and doctors of the NHRMC STICU1 unit for their tireless and dedicated work.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service, 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC 28412 with military honors.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service.
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