William O. Lee

William O. "Bill" Lee passed away peacefully and with family on November 9, 2022 at age 85. He lived his life fully, creating a wonderful example of an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and servant leader.

Bill was born August 16, 1937 in Birmingham, Alabama as the fourth child of D.C. and Louise Lee. In high school, he played oboe in the Pensacola, Florida symphony orchestra and ran track. He was a story-teller, and he fondly remembered many adventures with his siblings from his childhood years.

Bill attended Auburn University and graduated in 1959 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was the first in his family to attend college, and he exhibited a lifetime passion for Auburn (and Dallas Cowboy) football. Upon graduation, Bill began active duty in the Air Force in Albuquerque, New Mexico working as a test engineer on the B-58 "Hustler" bomber.

While in Albuquerque, Bill met his wife Ann, and they began a beautiful partnership resulting in 61 years of marriage. They loved listening to music, dancing, playing cards, traveling, working puzzles, and spending time with friends and family.

In 1963, Bill and Ann moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he began work for General Dynamics (later Lockheed Martin). Bill was employed by GD and Lockheed for 37 years, served in a variety of roles, and helped design 4 U.S. fighters. He initially was an engineer on the F-111 "Aardvark", led the design of the flight control actuators for the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" (the world's first "fly by wire" fighter), and finally served as Chief Engineer for both the A-12 "Avenger" and F-22 "Raptor". His colleagues affectionately referred to him as "WO ("Whoa") Lee". When Bill retired in 2000, he was inducted into the Lockheed Martin Hall of Fame.

Bill and Ann raised their family in Fort Worth. As long time members of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, they were blessed to gain a "second family" and served in numerous lay leadership positions. Bill was a skilled wood worker, excellent bridge player, and enjoyed home construction and remodeling. He found joy performing projects around their home and lake house, especially when he could recruit family and friends to join.

In retirement, Bill and Ann faithfully attended the many activities of their grandchildren and traveled the world. He navigated significant health challenges with grace in his later years. In 2013, they moved to Keller, Texas to be closer to family and attended White's Chapel United Methodist Church.

Bill was known by all as extremely knowledgeable, a highly effective problem solver, a tireless worker, a talented speaker and writer, disciplined but patient, for never saying "no" to a request for help, and for always putting others before himself. He believed that "if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing right". His strong faith in God centered him throughout his life. Despite all his accomplishments, he never lost his humility or desire to do things for others. He served as a role model and mentor to family and colleagues. Bill's silly, playful side was cherished by his family.

Bill is survived by his wife Ann; children David (Cathy) and Amy (Chris); grandchildren Blayne (Travis), Jordan (Hannah), Brooke (Luke), Megan, and Logan; great-grandchildren Hank, Jane, and Quinn; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 2pm Monday, November 28, 2022 in Grace Chapel at White's Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake, Texas 76092. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made via check payable to White's Chapel UMC (Classic Adult Fellowship in the memo line) or Metroport Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 204, Roanoke, Texas 76262 or on https://www.metroportmow.org .