Frederick Billings Lee Jr.

Frederick Billings Lee, Jr. was born in New York City and raised in Washington, D.C. He attended St. Alban's School in Washington, D.C. and graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, before earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He served in the U.S. Army, and upon completing his service he attended the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, where he earned his J.D.

Drawn to the West through his Billings family history and lifelong friendships, Fred settled in Elko, Nevada, and made it his home. He worked for Nevada Indian Legal Services for many years, and then spent 24 years serving as Elko County Public Defender before retiring in 2015.

Those who knew Fred most often described him as kind, crediting him with an open heart that touched and improved the lives of countless individuals. He was remembered for a probing intellect, a prodigious memory, and a dry sense of humor - qualities that marked both his legal work and his devotion to his community.