Obituary for William Edward "Bill" Lee
Entertainer, coach, business owner, husband, father, Papa (his favorite title of all) - Bill Lee was a man of many names (and many words). He passed away surrounded by loved ones, after a relentless battle with cancer that began nearly a decade ago. It was not in Bill’s nature to give up, and there is no doubt that his positive attitude and persistence extended his life here on earth.
For anyone who crossed paths with Bill during his life, they quickly realized he was the life of the party, a “glass half full” kind of guy. His eternally optimistic, upbeat personality made it hard not to smile, laugh, and look on the bright side while in his presence. He could often be heard imitating his favorite comedians and actors – one of his favorite lines in recent years came from comedian Brian Regan, “…can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!” Bill lived his life to the fullest, enjoying each moment, and teaching those around him how important it was to do the same. Those who had the opportunity to know him, knew exactly what they meant to him. He left this world without regrets and without words unspoken.
Bill was born to Mary Anne and Donald Lee in Detroit, Michigan in 1952. He spent most of his adolescent years in Mount Pleasant, where he thrived on the football field and spent many days hanging around town with his siblings and buddies. He went on to attend Central Michigan University for a short period after high school, although he ultimately completed his college education at the University of Arizona, graduating with a degree in accounting. During his time in Arizona his love for acting emerged and shortly after meeting the love of his life, Charlene Maxwell, back in Michigan, he persuaded her to make the big move to LA where he would pursue his dream. The two were married in 1981 and Charlene became pregnant with their first child, Warren, in 1984. Growing their family ultimately resulted in a change of life and the couple moved back to Michigan shortly after Warren’s arrival. They eventually landed in Midland and had two more children, Marcia and John.
Throughout their childhoods, Bill did not hesitate to completely immerse himself in his children's activities. He coached many athletic teams for Warren and Marcia and was present at (or participating alongside) every performance John had, whether it be singing or acting. He not only invested in his own children but took time to coach and work one on one with many kids throughout the years. While raising their children, Bill and Charlene opened and managed their own business, B&C Sportswear, eventually relocating their company to work alongside Bill’s brother, Bob, at Total-Lee Sports in Mount Pleasant for over 20 years.
As his children grew up, he continued to be a supportive father – he was never more than a phone call away. He loved hosting 4th of July parties at their Coldwater Lake home, taking summer trips to the beach in Ludington, and his love of Disney remained ever-present through the years, as well. In recent years he invested a lot of his time and energy into planning annual high school reunions for his class. In 2020, Bill and Charlene welcomed their first grandchild, Logan, and it quickly became obvious that “Papa” was the most treasured role Bill had ever held. Once Logan was born, life revolved around their weekly visits to see her and vacations with her – to Bill’s delight he was able to go to Disney World with Logan in 2022, a dream come true for them both.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Anne Lee, his father, Donald Lee, and many other loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Lee, children: Warren Lee, Marcia (Andy) Masters, and John Lee, his granddaughter, Logan Masters, his siblings: Mark Lee, Bob (Helen) Lee, and Karen (Pam Ohles) Lee, and many other loved ones. Bill’s bigger than life personality, his goofiness, and his positive energy will leave a void in the world – he will not soon be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family requests that a donation to Isabella County Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund is considered.
For anyone who crossed paths with Bill during his life, they quickly realized he was the life of the party, a “glass half full” kind of guy. His eternally optimistic, upbeat personality made it hard not to smile, laugh, and look on the bright side while in his presence. He could often be heard imitating his favorite comedians and actors – one of his favorite lines in recent years came from comedian Brian Regan, “…can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!” Bill lived his life to the fullest, enjoying each moment, and teaching those around him how important it was to do the same. Those who had the opportunity to know him, knew exactly what they meant to him. He left this world without regrets and without words unspoken.
Bill was born to Mary Anne and Donald Lee in Detroit, Michigan in 1952. He spent most of his adolescent years in Mount Pleasant, where he thrived on the football field and spent many days hanging around town with his siblings and buddies. He went on to attend Central Michigan University for a short period after high school, although he ultimately completed his college education at the University of Arizona, graduating with a degree in accounting. During his time in Arizona his love for acting emerged and shortly after meeting the love of his life, Charlene Maxwell, back in Michigan, he persuaded her to make the big move to LA where he would pursue his dream. The two were married in 1981 and Charlene became pregnant with their first child, Warren, in 1984. Growing their family ultimately resulted in a change of life and the couple moved back to Michigan shortly after Warren’s arrival. They eventually landed in Midland and had two more children, Marcia and John.
Throughout their childhoods, Bill did not hesitate to completely immerse himself in his children's activities. He coached many athletic teams for Warren and Marcia and was present at (or participating alongside) every performance John had, whether it be singing or acting. He not only invested in his own children but took time to coach and work one on one with many kids throughout the years. While raising their children, Bill and Charlene opened and managed their own business, B&C Sportswear, eventually relocating their company to work alongside Bill’s brother, Bob, at Total-Lee Sports in Mount Pleasant for over 20 years.
As his children grew up, he continued to be a supportive father – he was never more than a phone call away. He loved hosting 4th of July parties at their Coldwater Lake home, taking summer trips to the beach in Ludington, and his love of Disney remained ever-present through the years, as well. In recent years he invested a lot of his time and energy into planning annual high school reunions for his class. In 2020, Bill and Charlene welcomed their first grandchild, Logan, and it quickly became obvious that “Papa” was the most treasured role Bill had ever held. Once Logan was born, life revolved around their weekly visits to see her and vacations with her – to Bill’s delight he was able to go to Disney World with Logan in 2022, a dream come true for them both.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Anne Lee, his father, Donald Lee, and many other loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Lee, children: Warren Lee, Marcia (Andy) Masters, and John Lee, his granddaughter, Logan Masters, his siblings: Mark Lee, Bob (Helen) Lee, and Karen (Pam Ohles) Lee, and many other loved ones. Bill’s bigger than life personality, his goofiness, and his positive energy will leave a void in the world – he will not soon be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family requests that a donation to Isabella County Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund is considered.