Dr. William Lee

William Wallace Lee, 73, of Norman, passed away on Nov. 15, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Nov. 18 at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Norman. He was born August 13, 1944 in Dimmitt, TX to Maurice John (M.J.), a Baptist minister, and Beatrice Lee, a devoted minister’s wife. He was introduced to the Holy Bible by his father and remained in awe of the power and spirit of God’s grace and love. William was the third son of this family, blessed to have two older brothers, Jim and Tom Lee, who taught him how to play football, basketball, baseball, golf, and how to hunt and fish. They were his best teachers and biggest fans. William attended public schools in small towns in Texas and Oklahoma and graduated from high school in 1962.

William served in the United States Army from 1966 -1969, and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He graduated with degrees from Oklahoma State University in 1971, a Master of Social Work degree from OU in 1976, and a PhD from the University of Texas in Austin in 1983. He then lived in Norman where he would continue his career in mental health in private practice, in hospitals, and in mental health clinics for the next 37 years. William was fascinated by the people he met in his career and was constantly astonished at the ability of people to overcome extreme difficulties.

While in graduate school, William met Mary, who would become his wife and was the love of his life. They were married in December 1971 and became each other’s greatest and best influence. They had a son, James Thomas Lee, whom William thought to be the best son possible. He was smart (now a PhD engineer) but also kind and giving. He and his wife Brittany were blessed with three terrific children who became the center of their grandparents’ thoughts.
William is survived by: his wife Mary; his son James and James’ wife Brittany; and three grandchildren, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Margaret; his brothers, Jim and wife Dianne and Tom and wife Carolyn and their families; and Mary’s sister Linda and her husband Mike Marvin and their family.

The influence and love of his family sustained William throughout his life and now lives on in his son and grandchildren.

Family has requested memorials may be made to the Transition House, 700 Asp Avenue, Suite 2, Norman, Oklahoma 73069