William “Bill” Russell Lee was born on February 1, 1944 in White Oak, North Carolina. He passed away on March 19, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. He is preceded in death by his mother Cleo (Peters) Lee, father Wade Cordell Lee, brother Joe Lee, sister Mary Thompson and brother Robert E. Lee.
Survived by his wife Judy (Monahan) Lee, Son Russell Lee, Daughters Debbie Kappius and Brenda Dolinski. Sons-in-laws Rick Kappius and Jimmy Dolinski. He was blessed with the most beautiful mix of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Brandon, Jessica, Kayleen, Andrew, Sara Rose, McKenzie, Julianna, Isabella, Carson, Kash, Adrian, Laine, Lucas, Braxton and Eden Jo. Brother-in-law William Monahan and Betty Monahan. Sister-in-law Lanette Stanley and Al Stanley. Many loving – oh so loving nieces and nephews. Never to leave out the Saturday morning crew; his life long friends.
Bill and Judy met in the neighborhood and attended Tech high school together. They dated for 5 years before marrying on August 1, 1964. This year they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage. They built a life with their 3 children in South Omaha where his family is today.
Bill was a hands-on man. Not the school book – rule following type of guy. He was known for working at Asplundh Tree Company before he went back to tinkering with small engines. That is where he would stay, B & D Small Engine Repair. Home of the lost tools, quality and reasonably priced work. If you passed the first gruff at the desk, he welcomed you in as a customer and sometimes you became a Saturday morning regular. Flip over a bucket, have a cup of coffee and donut.
Bill was a man of all things he knew or didn’t and talked about it anyway. Could talk about anything and everything all day long. He loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Most of all he hunted and fished at any given moment allowed and the other moments were sitting on that stool at the horse track.
His repeated jokes will be missed. His singing at crazy moments will hopefully stay in our memory forever. Be free of the barriers. You better be telling them all how big that fish is that you just caught.
