Obituaries

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of beloved husband, father, grandfather, godfather, great grandfather, friend, and dedicated craftsman. William “Bill” Sallee, Sr., a master craftsman, dedicated builder, and devoted family man, passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, skill, and love for his family and outdoors.

Bill was born at home in Covington, Kentucky on August 27, 1934. He devoted much of his life to the building trade and work. As a skilled home builder, he constructed hundreds of homes across Northern Kentucky. He built and owned (for numerous years) the Four Seasons and Edgewater apartment buildings and other apartments throughout the region. He was the youngest to proudly serve as a past president of the Northern Kentucky Home Builders Association in 1960. He always took pride in a job well done, and his talents extended far beyond framing and foundations.

He was a true master carpenter who found joy in creating fine cabinetry and virtually anything that could be fashioned from wood.

Away from the workshop, Bill’s greatest passion was fishing. He spent many years in the Everglades with family and friends, where he not only pursued his love of angling but also worked as a guide for private fishing expeditions, sharing his knowledge of the waters with others. He also had a passion for gardening, using his hands and heart to find satisfaction in nurturing the earth, flowers, vegetables and memories with equal care. Whether tending to his garden or casting a line in a quiet lake, both gardening and fishing brought him peace and happiness. Nature was his refuge, and he treasured the simple pleasures it offered.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Norma “Michelle” Sallee; his daughter, Cindy Kyle; his brother, Charles (Betty) Sallee, Jr.; parents, Charles and Harriet Sallee Sr.; his sister, Jane Lahm; brother-in-law, Bob Martin; and his grandchildren, Freddy Kyle and Joseph Kyle.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carole Sallee; his sister, Linda Martin, and brother, Vernon Sallee; his three children, Bill (Tammy) Sallee, Jr., Steve (Robin) Sallee, Tonya (David) Johanneman; his three stepchildren, Kim Benne, Jackie (Chris) Altman and Geoffrey (Dawn) Thomas; his son-in-law, Fred Kyle; his two Godchildren, Michael and Jerald Morgenthal; along with 16 grandchildren, Kam, Casey, Chase, Sarah, David, Katie, Christopher, Kelly, Whitney, Tyler, Tate, Chelsey, Andrew, Jacob, Eric, and Jorden. Additionally, he was blessed with 35 great-grandchildren, all of whom will remember him as a man of quick wit, gentle strength, refined skills, steady presence, and a deep appreciation for both craftsmanship, hard work and nature.

His workmanship lives on in the neighborhoods, homes, and apartments he built. Additionally, anyone who picks up one of his cutting boards from the cabinet or looks around their home at wood pieces he created; his spirit endures and lives on in the memories and the lives he touched. He was “one of a kind” leaving a legacy across Northern Kentucky. Though he is no longer with us, he will remain in our memories and hearts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 11AM to 1 PM at Linnemann Funeral Home, Burlington, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Bill will be laid to rest at Burlington Cemetery.