William Kenneth Lee, 63, died Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Suwannee Valley Care Center (Haven Hospice) after an extended illness. He was the son of William Pafford & Myra Douglas Lee and a life long resident of Lake City. He served faithfully in the Army National Guard until retiring in 2000, then worked with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and retired this year. He was a loving husband, father, and "papaw" who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his father, William "CHAMP" Lee.

Survivors include his wife of 37. years, Barbara Lee of Lake City, FL; son, Justin (Heather) Lee of Plant City, FL; daughter, Dawn Mansukhani of Lake City, FL; mother, Myra Dell Lee of Lake City, FL; brother, Wayne (Linda) Lee of Lake City, FL; sister, Cindy Lee of Lake City, FL; grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, & Hope also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Sullivan officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Church Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening May 25, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South U.S. Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida 32025, (386) 752-1954 is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our guest book at www.gatewayforestlawn.com