Bill Odell Lee, age 70, passed away on March 5, 2015 in St. George, Utah. He was born in Mesquite, NV on June 22, 1944 to Don and Lorena Ann Hardy Lee. On June 22, 1962 he married Jessie Abbott in the St. George LDS Temple. She preceded him in death on May 21, 2005.
Bill lived most of his life in Mesquite. He was the Student Body President of Virgin Valley High School, then he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Utah University. He owned and operated the Mobil Gas Station, Hardy’s Deluxe Motel and the Chalet Café. He served on the first city council and as the second Mayor of Mesquite. He was proud of his service and proud of his city.
He and Jessie loved to travel. They organized and planned group trips back East for Church history sites, and to Hawaii. He loved to travel with his family and especially loved his yearly trips with his three sisters. Bill had a deep love and compassion for helping other people. He enjoyed teaching early morning seminary. He was avid in scouting, attending wood badge and jamborees. He served as the first LDS Bishop of both the Mesquite 2nd Ward and the Mesquite 3rd Ward, and in the Logandale Stake Presidency. Always missionary minded, he opened his home to other children and the LDS missionaries. He was always helping his grandchildren, widows, and anyone in need. It was once said of him, “There wasn’t a widow safe from his care!” He will be missed.
Survivors include one daughter and two sons: Keri (Todd) Leavitt; Charlie (Sandra); Sam (Shaunna); 14 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three sisters: Vicki (Douglas) Waite; Abbe Green and Mindy (Jerry) Martinsen all of Mesquite. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Lorene and one grandson, Jared.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 9, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Mesquite LDS Stake Center. Visitation will be Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 6 – 8 p.m. and again Mondayafternoon from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., all at the Mesquite Stake Center. Interment will follow in the Mesquite City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com
Bill had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. Other than my own father no man made a bigger impact on my life than Bill. I will always love him and remember his love for everyone he met. Bill will always be a part of my family.
“Ye shall know them by their fruit”. Bill produced good fruit throughout his life.
Dave Bundy
MR. BILL LEE WAS A GRETA PERSON I ENJOY TALKING TO HIM ALOT IN THE ACE STORE AND EVEN AT THE GASTATION THAT THEY HAD MR. LEE WAS A VERY SUPPORTED TO HIS CHILDREN AND TO THE COMMUNITY MR. BILL LEE R.I.P.
My condolences go out to Bills family. I met them when I had the opportunity to serve as a missionary in your area.
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I can still remember when he was my bishop. He really cared about his ward members. Love to your whole family.
My condolences to Bill’s family. He was such a good man. I’m glad i got the chance to know him all those years ago when Howard and i luved in Mesquite. I’m sure there was a beautiful reunion with his beautiful wife.
He was a kind and loving man. My condolences to all his family.
Bill Lee was a good friend of mine. I will miss him. Linda and I would like to express our love for his family. We know that he is happy today with the love of his life, Jessie & with all those who have preceded him. He knew the Gospel is true & the reality of the plan of Salvation. We love you all.
He was a very kind person, I’ll know him for a short time but he always take care of me when I was around …. Sorry we lost a very good person
i never new him, but i know someone who was very close to him. hang in there guys! i love u all!