Born in South Carolina, William F. Lee, Sr. moved to Pensacola when he was young and married Rebecca in 1860.  They had several children--Caroline (1864), Susan (1866), William, Jr (1868), Jeanie (1871), Bessie (1874), and Stephen (1876).  W.F. Lee worked as a surveyor before the Civil War.  During the conflict, he volunteered with the Pensacola Rifle Rangers and was elected an officer (2nd LT, Co. A) on 11 May 1862.  He was promoted to Full 1st Lieutenant on 8 Oct 1862.  At Chancellorsville on 3 May 1863, he lost his right arm while commanding his company.  He was reunited with his wife who assisted with his recovery, but he was mustered out of the Rangers on 17 Nov 1864 and assigned as an officer on staff.  He was promoted to Full Captain of Engineers on staff on 20 Jan 1865.  He resumed work as a surveyor and also a postmaster (briefly) in Pensacola.  He surveyed and designed St. John's Cemetery.  He also was active in Christ Episcopal Church.  At his death in 1906, his funeral was widely attended and city hall lowered its flag to half-mast.  He was buried in St. John's Cemetery in Pensacola, FL with several prominent citizens serving as pallbearers.  Later his son, Stephen, was buried over his remains.  

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