William Lee Taylor III
Son, brother, and friend, William Lee Taylor III passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after a battle with cancer. Our Lee exemplified living life to its fullest.
First born of five children to Bettye and Bill Taylor and growing up in Chattanooga, it soon became obvious that Lee was not going to miss out on anything. He and his circle of friends were always looking for the next adventure. A trip to Knoxville at midnight, no problem. A party with 50 of his closest friends, check. All done while breaking state swim records and finishing high school at The Baylor School. After graduating from the University of Virginia, he decided he had to live in the biggest city he could find so he moved to the Big Apple. After wringing everything he could from New York City, the City of Lights was next on his list. He moved to San Francisco where he continued his career in high fashion. He gathered friends like flowers and kept them close throughout his life. That was Lee’s way.
After finally deciding to give up the big city life, he returned to his hometown, Chattanooga. There he dove into the real estate world and again gathered friends, old and new.
Not done yet, he decided to attend law school at age 50 and moved to Nashville for his next adventure. Of course, he was a success at both his profession and personal life. More friends were added to his bouquet. He truly cherished his friends. He had friends to discuss his gourmet cooking, friends to travel with, friends to share birthdays with, friends to drink with and friends to enjoy all that life can give. His generous spirit was what drew people. His contagious laugh could be heard from anywhere and you would always know it was Lee.
He was devoted to family and enjoyed being a big brother. He was the originator of ‘Uncle Party’ which entailed continuing Rehearsal Dinners until the wee hours of the morning at the weddings for his nieces and nephews, now a family tradition. Lee loved his dogs and always had a Keaton, Sully, or Jackson at his side or in the passenger seat of his car. He had a passion for travel and was always planning a journey even after being diagnosed with cancer. His never say never view on life, his generous heart, and indomitable spirit will be missed by us all.
We will be remembering Lee with a graveside service at Chattanooga Memorial Gardens a.k.a ‘The Duck Pond’ on Tuesday, March 25, at 11 a.m.
His family invites friends to a celebration of Lee’s life on Monday March 24, from 2-8 p.m. at 2135 Cummings Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37419. Please bring your favorite picture or story to share.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nashvillecares.org.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153 Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at
www.chattanooganorthchapel.com