Billy Joe Lee, 97, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. He was born on September 9, 1927, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to the late Nellie Lee and Fred Hedgpeth of Muskogee, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; his son, John Pickens; and his parents. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Marilyn Pickens; his grandsons Jonathan Pickens (Braden Tripp) of Beaverton, Oregon, Dr. Michael Pickens (Corey Thompson) and their children Enrique and Chloe Pickens of Seattle, Washington; Christopher Pickens (Tracy Pickens) and their daughter Caroline Pickens of Pensacola, Florida; and Jennifer James, Walter and Kathy James, Tracy and Les Dean and their son Shawn, Jennifer Howard and Christy Baxter of Tulsa, Oklahoma.   He will be remembered by many extended family members and friends, especially Jennie Kinsey and Darci Hazelwood who were like granddaughters to him.

Bill proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps at the end of World War II and later as a Sergeant First Class in the AAD Artillery during the Korean War.

He graduated from high school in Bartlesville and went on to attend Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater. His professional journey began in retail sales in Muskogee, where he met his future wife, Virginia. That role marked the start of a successful 30-year career in banking, including 25 years with Community Bank & Trust in Tulsa, where he rose to the role of President and CEO.

Bill continued his education through the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He was actively involved in the banking community, serving on the Governmental Relations Committee and the Installment Loan Committee of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. He was also a past president of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.

In civic life, Bill gave back to his community as a Port Commissioner for the Tulsa Urban Renewal Authority and as a past president of the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.

A passionate sports fan, Bill especially loved golf. While he was a weekend golfer during his working years, retirement allowed him to pursue the sport more seriously. He competed in tournaments around the world and was a proud member of various golf societies. He participated in five U.S. Senior Amateur Championships, reaching the quarterfinals in one. He also played in two British Senior Amateur Championships, represented Oklahoma in the Mid-South Cup matches, and was part of the U.S. Senior Challenge team. After the passing of his wife Virginia, his enthusiasm for competitive play waned, but he remained an avid club golfer for as long as his health allowed.

Billy Joe Lee leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love for family, community, and the game of golf. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Viewing will be held on May 29th, 2025 at Stanley's Funeral Home from 10am to 2pm.  Graveside services will be on May 30th, 2025 at 10am at Memorial Cemetery.  The family will have a Celebration of Life on June 27th, 2025 with time and location to follow.