William Lee, Jr.

William Lee, Jr., 72 resident of Paducah, Kentucky formerly of Charleston, Missouri died Monday, January 13, 2020 at his home.  He was born May 28, 1947 in Charleston, Missouri to the late William and Bertha Lee.

He was a member of the 1967 Graduating Class of the Charleston High School in Charleston, Missouri where he played football and ran track.

He was united in marriage to Taeko Hirokawa in Naja, Japan.  To this union a son and a daughter were born.  He later married Christy Berndt of Paducah, Kentucky.

After graduation, William joined the United States Marine Corps.  While serving his country,  he received a Purple Heart,  a Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct medal with three stars, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Merit Unit Award with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960-, Rifle Expert Badge (two awards) and Pistol Expert Badge.  He was Infantry Unit Leader for five years and four months, Military Policeman for eight years and three months, Marksmanship Instructor for four years and five months and was a Police Sergeant.

William moved from California to Paducah, Kentucky.  He was known to be a stubborn man, but was a man of action.  He loved his family, fishing, playing chess, watching television, picking greens, eating and cooking.  A very lovable man, he will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, he also preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Craven Corbin, his grandparents,  Johnny and Drewcella Clark, two sisters, Annette Pratt and Rosemary Anderson,  one grandson, John Corbin, Jr., and one granddaughter, Cora Corbin.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Lee of Paducah, Kentucky, one son, Terry Lee of California, three daughters, Pamela Smith of Charleston, Missouri, Contessa Lee of Moreno Valley, California  and Aniya Lee of Paducah, Kentucky,  three step children, Amber Radovick, Nevaeh Lee and Braden Berndt of Paducah, Kentucky, one brother, Julius  (Carol) Williams of  West Virginia and one sister, Brenda (Henry) Jones of Paducah, Kentucky.

Friends may call Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Missouri from 12:00 noon until 1:30 pm when William will be accorded his full military honors.