William Vance Zimmerlee

William V. Zimmerlee passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021. He was born on August 22, 1929, to William and Mary Zimmerlee in Shady Cove, Oregon, the sixth of seven children. When his three brothers were serving in the military during WW II, he begged his parents to let him join the Air Force at 17. He served in the Air Force from 1946 to 1949. 

He married his wife, Kay, on December 28, 1950, and is survived by his wife, his children, Layne K. Zimmerlee, Oroville, Karla J. Zimmerlee, Paradise and two grandchildren, Kelly L. Zimmerlee, Asheville, North Carolina, and Tristin W.V. Zimmerlee, Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his sister Janet Kimmel, Eagle Point, Oregon.

In 1965, Bill and his family moved from Oregon to Paradise. Bill worked hard all his life, mostly in the lumber industry. He owned and operated a logging company for 37 years and made many friends in the industry. He believed in preservation and good management of the forests.

He joined the Paradise Elks Lodge and was a proud member for 47 years, He served on the Board of Trustees and was Chairman of the Board for a time. Later he served meals at the Lodge and enjoyed the camaraderie of the organization.  He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for people in Paradise for many years.

After retirement he began fishing every morning, Paradise Lake being his favorite spot.  Another passion was playing cribbage, as long as you were willing to wage a dollar or more.

His abiding love was for his family and his large extended family.  Many nephews and nieces who called him Uncle Billy, lived at different times with Kay and Bill over the years.  The extended family reunion is a yearly affair.  This year it will be held in Shady Cove, Oregon, where the family has a private cemetery.  Interment will be held there. A memorial service will be held at Rose Chapel in Paradise on June 11, 2021, at 1:00.  Donations can be made to the Paradise Elks Scholarship Fund.

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