Bishop Willard Lee was born on October 16, 1945. He was the first-born child of the late William and Evelyn Lee. He grew up in Brunswick, GA until he was 9 years old then moved to Queens, New York. Willards passion for airplanes led him to test for the entrance exam to Queens Aviation High School, where he scored the 4th highest score possible.

He also had a passion for music and learned to play the guitar and organ. He later translated that love to the bass guitar. His musical passion led him to work with such greats as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Bobby Bland, and James Brown. His musical dreams came to a halt when he was called to serve in the United States Navy.

He served in the Vietnam War. After his service, he relocated to Gainesville, FL where he met Melve Daniels in 1968 and they wed in 1972. In November of 1972, he and his family moved to Tampa, FL. Bishop acknowledged the Lords calling on his life in 1974 and preached his first sermon in January of 1975. He was ordained on August 28, 1977, at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. In 1988, the Lord gave Bishop Lee the vision to start New Smyrna Full Gospel Cathedral, he was the senior pastor until his retirement in January of 2019. He was confirmed and installed to the position of Bishop in November of 2005 at Cathedral of Faith. He held many different jobs to include truck driving and informational technology. He retired from IBM in 1991. He held 5 degrees in Business and Theology that range from BA, MA and Doctorate. Willard was a staple in the community serving as the President of the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE), representing over 20 churches and 4000 residents in Hillsborough County. He has touched so many lives through ministry and music. He served this community well!

He was preceded in death by his parents, William, and Evelyn Cobb Lee; and granddaughter, Fekerte Powell.

He leaves precious memories with his spouse, Melve Lee; children, Lisa Powell (Felix, Sr.), Antonio Daniels, Antoinette Wilson (Waymon, Jr.), Christopher Lee Sr., and Torri Lee; grandchildren, Felix Powell, Jr., Ashley Clarke (Detrick), Derrick Powell, Avery Williams (Renee) Courtnee Daniels, Marcus Williams, Jasmine Lenzie, Gregory Moore Jr. (Lakisha), Brittany Davis (Earl), Chanell Brooks (Enrique), Antwan Moore, Lavar Lee, Destinee Laster, Kierra Robinson, Taniya Lee, Christopher Lee Jr., and Sincere Lee; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, George Wiley, Jr. (Gail); sisters, Jannette S. Lee, and Evelyn Yvonne Jenkins; brothers-in-law: Gary Daniels, Dexter Daniels, and Nathan Bruce Daniels; sisters-in-law; Reatha Richardson, Janet Foster, Alberta Williams (Leroy), Beverly Perry (Emerson), and Sharon Daniels; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation
Friday, February 17, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
New Smyrna Full Gospel Church - Thryve Church
5015 N 17th St.
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
Saturday, February 18, 2023
1:00 PM
Center for Manifestation
3102 E. Lake Avenue
Tampa, FL 33610