William Lees

William Laurence Goodloe Lees, "Bill", passed away October 29, 2025. Bill was born on August 11th, 1939, in Independence, Kansas. He graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Williston High School in Williston, North Dakota, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After serving aboard the USS Lowry in the Mediterranean Sea, he returned to Louisiana Polytechnic University, now Louisiana Tech, where he received his electrical engineering degree. He continued his education, obtaining a Masters in Business Administration at The University of New Orleans, and earning a Licensed Professional Engineer designation while working for South Central Bell, where his career spanned 4 decades before his retirement.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Connie Lees, sister, Sally Bauer, and parents, Laurence Forester Lees and Bette Beck Goodloe Lees. He is survived by his children Jeff (Meredith) Lees and Cynthia (Brad) Johnson; and grandchildren Ella Johnson, Drew Johnson, and William Laurence Goodloe "Goodloe" Lees, II and dear friend, Marie Keffer and the entire Keffer family.

He was an active member of the Hoover community, where he served others through roles in various athletic programs and senior citizen activities. He volunteered his time, talents and resources to fix things, drive people to places, plan events, and solve problems. A founding member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, he scheduled the acolytes, lectors, and eucharistic ministers for multiple masses each weekend for over 40 years. He was an RCIA instructor, eucharistic minister trainer, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #11537, at Prince of Peace.

To the younger generation, Bill was known as Grandad, a super fan of his grandkids' sports. He faithfully cheered on his grandchildren and their teammates as they competed in baseball, basketball, lacrosse, football, wrestling and soccer- he rarely missed a game and was loved by the kids and their parents. Everyone knew him as Grandad. His dedication to his family and community will be missed.

A visitation for friends and family will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Thursday, November 6th at 11 am to be followed by a 12 noon funeral mass, and then a 1 pm reception luncheon. In lieu of flowers, Bill would have wanted contributions to Prince of Peace Catholic Church with "Backpack Ministry" written in the memo line.