Willie B Lee

Willie Bert Lee was born September 10, 1938 to Edward Lee and Minnie Belle (Morris) Lee in Alpine, Alabama. He was the youngest of nine children and predeceased by parents. Willie grew up in Talladega, Alabama with 8 siblings Lillie, Matthew (Bubba), Harry, James, Elizabeth, Emma Jane and Corrine, all deceased except living brother Robert Samuel Lee. 

Willie attended Talladega County Training School and Jennifer High School located in Talladega, Alabama.  Willie migrated to St. Louis, Missouri with several other siblings and started his career in sales with the Pevely Dairy Company as a milkman serving local families in St. Louis, Missouri. He later became a route salesman for Old Vienna Snack Company creating a new market for the company exposing new opportunities in the local black community. Willie distinguished himself not only by discovering new markets but generating new sales and receiving numerous awards for record sales and revenue for the company. Willie’s success opened doors for other black males within the company. His success made him a highly sought after high producing salesman and he took those talents to the Little Debbie Snack Company where he again excelled receiving numerous awards annually for best sales and revenue for the company. Willie was a true trail blazer proving that a black man could distinguish themselves in sales and marketing in big cities like St. Louis. 

Willie was blessed with 3 biological children Rita Lee Goff (Reginald), Rhondal B. Lee (Shayla), Stanley E. Lee (Angie) and Byron Young who he raised. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren a host of nieces and nephews.

Willie was a father figure to many, and a pillar of the neighborhood often referred to as “Pops” for those who knew him. He loved sports, his favorites were baseball, football andbasketball. He enjoyed playing softball and would take us and neighborhood kids to the park, created teams and play softball all day. He also like to fish. But one of the most important things he really enjoyed and loved to share with others was his skills in the kitchen cooking his signature dish, fried corn and other great meals. Cooking was his love language and therapy, he loved to see people enjoy eating his food, this really blessed him.

In 2019 Willie’s health began to decline so he decided to relocate to Bradenton, Florida with his daughter Rita and her family. He made the best of his transition and fought a good fight until his transition on December 18, 2022 to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I’m confident and at peace that he has gone to be with the Lord. Dad you will be missed but not forgotten. We Love You Forever!!

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