William Tygart Lee

William Tygart Lee, 85, of Rock Springs passed away at Sage View Care Center, Friday, Sept. 2, 2016.

A longtime resident of Rock Springs and former resident of Reliance, Lee passed away following a lengthy illness.

He was born May 13, 1931, in Rock Springs, the son of James Brooks Lee and Marion Zoe Tygart Lee.

Lee graduated from the Reliance High School with the class of 1949.

He married LaRue Goddard Lee in Rock Springs Sept. 16, 1951.

Lee was employed with Union Pacific Railroad, Kolman Tire and Haliburton and he retired in 1998.

Lee was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion and was the Senior Warden of Episcopal Church Vestry

He was a lifetime member of the F.O. E. Eagles No. 151 "Golden Eagle" United Mine Workers of America, Musician's Union, drum major for the Union Pacific Kilty Band.

His interests included spending time with family, camping, gardening and he was passionate about playing the drums.

He played many times for big name bands. He played with Les Brown and Band of Renown, Pete Fountain and Jimmy Dorsey.

Survivors include his wife LaRue Lee of Rock Springs, three sons; William R. Lee and wife Jimmye Sue, David A. Lee and wife LaVonna and Daniel J. Lee and wife Marjean, all of Rock Springs; one brother Richard H. Lee of Rock Springs; one sister Marion Zoe Lee and husband Dick Kalber of Big Piney; six grandchildren, Jamie Lee, Sean Lee and wife Erica, Mandy Lee, Matthew Lee and wife Brianne, Jacob Lee and Meagan Sheesley and husband Steven; six great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 255 Second Street.

Inurnment will be at the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to services.

The family of William Tygart Lee respectfully suggests that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Va., 22311.