William H. Lee Jr

1948 - July 13, 2024

William H. Lee Jr passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. William was born in California, to Bill and Martha Lee and was the oldest of three children.

William’s father’s work as a civil engineer kept the family moving.  As a young boy, William, along with his parents, sister and brother lived in several states and territories and spent years in Australia.  The family settled in Southern California in 1960.

William worked with his father on the Allegheny Reservoir, Kinzua Dam in Pennsylvania while living in New York state in the late 60s.  Following that experience, as a commissioned US Army Officer, William married Mary Susan (Susie) Albright in 1970 in Orange, California. They were assigned to live on the Presidio in San Francisco, then South Korea, where they lived in a Quonset hut and in a “hootch” in a small village.

As a 1st. Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, William earned and was awarded the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (rifle); the Army Commendation Medal awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service while serving in the Army; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for participating in U.S. operations that support the United Nations; and the National Defense Service Medal.

After serving his country, in 1975, William and Susie moved to north Santa Ana. He loved music and played guitar and sang in Boomstreet, a band that frequently performed at the Orange Street Fair, performed property management duties, and earned his contractor’s license.  He was an avid gardener and family man who loved nature and art. 

He was also a passionate reader. One of his favorite quotes is from Ghandi: “Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it because you can't know. And you don't need to. Every life has a meaning, whether it lasts one hundred years or one hundred seconds. Every life, and every death, changes the world in its own way. You can't know. So don't take it for granted. But don't take it too seriously. Don't postpone what you want. Don't leave anything misunderstood. Make sure the people you care about know. Make sure they know how you really feel. Because just like that...It could end.”

William was predeceased by his wife, Susie, in 2012. He is survived by his sister, Rebecca Collins; his brother, John Lee (Stacy); his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathy Epperley (Cecil); Cris Robinson (Jim); Patricia Albright; Peggy Devitt (Dale); and Lori Koontz (Bob). William is also survived by twenty nieces and nephews, as well as fifteen great nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a future date.