Obituary of William Robert Lee

"Can Do" Born on April 18, 1929, Bill spent his early childhood in New York City. His family moved to Arlington, Virginia in 1939 and remained there until 1947. He graduated from Washington-Lee High School. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, completing his tour of duty in Oahu, Hawaii. He graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in June of 1957 with a BA in Psychology, and completed his formal education with a master's degree in Human Development from the University of Maryland in 1968. Though Bill went to high school with Jean Niswander, they did not develop a romantic relationship until the fall of 1959. They were married on June 17, 1960, and just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. In 1962 they moved to Great Falls, Virginia, where they still reside. Bill taught in the Arlington County School System from 1960 until he retired in 1991. He taught World History, World Geography and American History, but his true love was Psychology, which he taught with enthusiasm and passion. In conjunction with teaching, he did extensive research on "Self Actualization" and the "Levels of Existence" guided by his mentor, Dr. Clare W. Graves. After retiring, his focus changed from preparing lessons, grading papers and teaching students to spending time with family and friends, and pursuing his interests. Those included music, travel, volunteering and tennis. He volunteered with Arena Stage for 26 years and Wolf Trap for 19 years. He enjoyed traveling in and outside of the United States, but he particularly looked forward to his yearly trip to the Outer Banks with his childhood friends. Bill is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter Barbara A. Wente of Purcellville, VA; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Danny Dunn of Potomac Falls, VA; son and daughter-in-law William R. Lee, Jr. and Lisa Lee of Sterling, VA; and sister and brother-in-law Alva and Donald Roseth of Mechanicsburg, PA. In addition, he has nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Great Falls United Methodist Church or Capital Caring Hospice.