William Richard Lee, 89, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 19, 2026, at his home in Cleburne, Texas.

Richard was born on August 11, 1936, in Albany, California, to W.D. and Ola Hudgins Lee. He moved to Texas in 1946 attending school in Bono. When he transferred to Cleburne Schools his coach nicknamed him Bono Lee, a name that he is still called by a few today. He graduated from Cleburne High School in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lee Browder, in 1957, being the first wedding in the new St. Mark Methodist Church. They began a devoted partnership that spanned over 68 years.

He attended the University of Texas and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1958 with a degree in accounting. He began his career working for Swift & Company before moving to Sid Richardson Oil & Gas, never missing a day of work for the first seven years. He obtained his CPA license in 1967 and entered public accounting in 1970 when he and an associate from the oil & gas company formed Johnson & Lee CPA's. His firm later became Richard Lee, CPA for over 40 years in Ft. Worth. In 2003, his firm merged with Wheatley & Fowler in Cleburne.

He was a member Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Brangus Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. In 2017 he was honored by the Texas Society of CPAs & Texas State Board of Public Accountancy as a 50 Year Member.

In 1962, Richard founded Lee Farms, a Brangus cow-calf and farming operation that became not only a second career, but also a source of great pride and lifelong passion that he shared with his eldest son.

Richard was instrumental in founding Cleburne Bible Church in 1980, where he faithfully served as an elder for many years. His life was defined by a deep love for God and a steady commitment to serving others.

He served on the board of directors of the Cleburne National Bank. He also served on board of Open Hearts Ministry International and served the Geneva Overton Childhood Experience Center in various capacities. He volunteered his accounting services for the Cleburne Pregnancy Center. He had a passion for sharing his accounting knowledge and assisting with ministries that served the Lord.

He was a devoted husband, a steady and supportive father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Affectionately known as "Hootie," he built a legacy rooted in faith, family, and quiet strength. He served as a father, mentor and role model to many people. Over the years he and Betty ministered to many couples.

Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Lee; his daughter, Elizabeth Whitlock and husband Tim; and his sons, Dick Lee and wife Donna, Jonathan Lee, and Matt Lee and wife Missy.

As an only child, Richard shared a close bond with his extended family. His California cousins were like brothers to him, and he remained deeply connected to his brothers-in-law and their spouses: Jimmy and Lannette Browder, Joe and Iris Browder, Jack and Sylvia Browder, and John and Pat Browder.

He was a proud grandfather to Jennifer Whitlock; Melissa Thompson and husband Derek; Mary Whitlock; Victoria Mathis and husband Colton; Alyson Lee; Rachel Lee; Adam Lee and wife Kate; Rebekah Lee; and Abby Peterson and husband Matt. He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The John Wright family and many, many other families were most dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. and Ola Lee and his brothers-in-law Joe, Jack and John Browder.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to AlevCare Hospice for the compassionate care provided during his final months. Special thanks to Da'Mona Jones and Sarah Spangler.

Richard has been a supporter of Happy Hill Farm for 50 years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Happy Hill Farm 3846 N. Highway 144 Granbury, TX 76048 or https://happyhillfarm.org or your favorite charity.3

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cleburne Bible Church 930 N. Nolan River Road in Cleburne on Friday, April 3 2026 at 2:00 PM. The Celebration will also be live streamed at https://www.cleburnebible.org/live-stream.