William "Bill" Joseph Lee

Born August 22, 1951 in Bloomington to William C. and Mary J. (Joseph) Lee, he married Nancy Butler on July 14, 1976 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Joe (Kristen) Lee of Urbandale, Iowa; two daughters, Angie (Josh) Harbourn of Manito and Rachael Lee of Peoria; ten grandchildren, Abby, Michael, Silas, Henry, Edison, Peyton, Reese, Jordy, Avery and Georgia and one sister, Sharon (Lonnie) Bishop of Charleston.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Becky.

Bill was a minister for the Peoria Outreach Center for over 25 years, before retiring. At the Peoria Outreach Center, in the inner city of Peoria, he fed and clothed the needy, preached every Friday night, took food donations to the projects in the back of his station wagon, housed the downtrodden and got them back on the path of hope.

1000s of people came through the Outreach doors to give donations of clothes and food and to find hope in Jesus. There were maybe 75-100 regular church goers every Friday night. He ran bible studies and prayer meetings. He had a heart of compassion for people. Through the Peoria Outreach Center, he was able to house many men who were down and out in their lives and helped them get their lives back on track. He was a mighty warrior of God. After the Peoria Outreach Center closed (due to a deteriorating building and lack of funds), he worked for the Dream Center in Peoria.

In his free time he enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Bill was an inspiration to all that knew him. He enjoyed making videos to inspire others in their walk with God; also, he enjoyed talking to others about embracing the power of prayer. Bill was a part of several bands and was spiritually led. He was an awesome pastor who loved an awesome Lord.

Bill was a member of the Riverside Community Church in Peoria.

His funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor John King will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dream Center Peoria, 714 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria, Illinois 61603 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.