William Franklin Lee

William Franklin Lee
January 17, 2021
Arlington, Texas - William (Bill) Franklin Lee, 88, of Arlington, went to be with Jesus on Jan. 17, 2021 surrounded at home by his loving family. Bill was born in Rome, GA to Lloyd and Amy Lee. The family later moved to Anniston, AL where Bill graduated from Anniston H.S. He then joined the USAF. After serving 4 yrs, Bill completed his B.A. degree at UTEP. While he worked on his degree, Bill and his first wife, Sara, were the first cottage parents at Lee & Beulah Moor Children's Home in El Paso, where they cared for up to 18 boys at a time. His first career position was with General Motors in El Paso. He was then recruited by Texas Instruments of Dallas and later worked for General Dynamics. He retired with Dillard's at 70.
Bill had many passions in life including family, gospel music, softball, German Shepherds, and was an avid sports fan coaching from his favorite chair in his living room. He sang in church choirs most of his adult life. He sang in small ensembles and would sometimes sing "Ol' Man River" as a solo, using his deep bass voice. He pitched a wicked softball game until age 80.
After a brief courtship, Bill married Vicki Lee in July 1980. They raised a beautiful blended family together and have been each other's constant companion for over 40 yrs. They have been active members of Fielder Church in Arlington for 28 yrs. Bill had a passion for singing, and shared his love of music with others in the community.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jo Ann Marcotte. He is survived by his loving wife Vicki Lee, brother, Jerry Lee, son, David Lee (Tara), daughters, Mindy Carlson (Chris), Mary Ellen Burch (Greg), Shannon Link (Jarrod), Rebecca Scott (Joey), and 13 grandchildren, Blake (Bekah), Kyle, Nathan, Carson, Ashley (Joe), Taylor, Morgan, Reagan, Jacob, Katie, Leia, Ben, and extended family.
Family suggests donations to Fielder Church Forever Praise Choir or World Vision made in memory of Bill.
Funeral services will be held on Sun. Jan. 24 at 3 pm at Fielder Church in Arlington. Visitation will be on Sat. Jan. 23 from 4 to 6 pm at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington. Private burial will be at DFW National Cemetery.