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WILLIAM LEE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM LEE
JB Floyd
October 23, 2019
Best friends since 1945 at the then NTSU we remained close until Bill left so many friends much too soon. I miss this man still and frequently for he had such an important influence on my life as well as on the lives of countless fortunate others. Such an authentic individual and with all the great qualities: compassion, humility, creativity and a wonderful sense of humor!
RIP with so much love from me and the multitudes of friends you enjoyed.
Bruce Grilikhes
November 5, 2011
God Speed!
Dave St. Mire
November 2, 2011
I came to know Bill after he moved to New Smyrna Bch. He had a
Steinway grand piano and called me out to tune it as that is what I do ... my profession .... a piano tuner. I would then see him several times a year for the following years as he always wanted it ' in tune '. He was one of the few of my customers that became a ' friend ' . Being a former professional musician myself ... I found out we had traveled in much the same circles at one time or another . We discovered we
knew a lot of the same people . It was always nice to sit down with him and and talk about " the old days " . As part of my ' service call '
.... he always endowed me with an autographed copy of one of his latest books . They will be dearly cherished . He always was so proud of his son Will as a musician ... talked about him constantly and where he was playing etc. etc. ! Bill was truly one of those rare people you meet in life that you call ' friend ' and ends up a pleasure in knowing. I'm glad that .... I .... had the opportunity and pleasure .
Gonna miss him !
Jack Frisch
November 1, 2011
It was honored to have met Mr. Lee as well as work on the design of a CD he did with his son Will a few years back. It was very special to meet him knowing all of his accomplishments in Jazz. One thing that I remember is his smile throughout the entire recording session.
Andre Mika
November 1, 2011
"As a young jazz musician, many influential moments happened for me attending IAJE. WIthout question, I along with countless others owe Bill Lee a debt of gratitude... he was a tremendous educator."
Andre Mika
Alumnus, Western Michigan University "Gold Company"
Michael T. Brown
October 31, 2011
Truly an understated and cherished man. I will miss his wisdom and knowledge. During the years he lived in Manhattan, Kansas we were members of the jazz band Wasted Potential. Whether a lush ballad or an intense up tempo, Bill would amaze visitors and the rest of us with whatever the music called for. Then he'd take it to the next level. All of us were regularly schooled.
We had a running joke about any prominant or important jazz piece: that he either played on that recording, wrote it, or produced it. Coincidentally, I owned a jazz encyclopedia and didn't realize he authored it untill we were playing for a few weeks! The first time hanging with him at his house was a mind opening experience: basement walls covered with gold records, commendations/letters of merrit, and pictures from/with dignitaries and heads of states. Then he'd tell about what went on behind the scenes. He really liked writing Biographies and playing piano. His demeanor was usually calm. He was easy to talk to and a good listener. Yes, Bill was all that! He will be missed. May God bless him again.
Bill & Marjean Harshbarger
October 31, 2011
We miss Bill Lee. We cherish the times we played gigs together. It was always an inspiration to be around a true
visionary and brilliant musician. More than that, Bill Lee was
one of the nicest guys on the face of this earth.
JB Floyd
October 29, 2011
To a great friend and mentor who lived a life of great accomplishment. He will be remembered forever by friends throughout the world.
October 28, 2011
We enjoyed getting to know him in the past few years. He is someone we very much admire, as musicians, and as friends .
We send our love and condolences to all.
Love, 'Doug & Peggy' Howarth
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