Bill Lee Horton (Big Bad Bill) passed away February 10, 2018, at his home in Hailey, with his wife and friends by his side. Bill’s motto, “Find joy in each day,” stayed with him through his three-year battle with cancer.

Bill was a native Idahoan, the son of William Leon Horton (deceased) and Beverly J. Brown Horton. Bill lived in Ketchum and Hailey for 30+ years, working first at Atkinsons’ Markets before opening his own business, Big Bad Bill’s CDs Etc., in Hailey. A lifelong lover of music, Bill enjoyed talking music history with his customers and recommending new music based on their tastes. He especially loved his teenage customers and spent untold hours listening to their problems, always resisting the urge to give any advice. After a long run as the owner of an independent CD shop, Bill worked for L.L. Green’s Hardware, helping a constant stream of people who “had a problem” that they knew he could fix. Bill’s sunny disposition and ready smile made him everyone’s friend.

Besides music, Bill’s passions included motorcycles and swapping stories with friends. Bill especially loved to talk about the five-month-long motorcycle trip around the U.S. and Canada he made with his wife, Lisa, in 1997 and the annual Father’s Day rides with his guy friends, particularly Frank, Mike, Les, and Bart. Bill was a Christian and leaned on his many friends in The Life Church community for spiritual support during his illness.

Bill is survived by his mother, Beverly “Rick” Horton, of Chehalis, WA; his brother, Brent Horton (Brent’s wife Tracy, sons Daniel and Aron, and daughter Anndrea), of Jerome, ID; his sister, Beverly Horton (daughter Angie and son Eric), of Chehalis, WA; and his wife of 25 years, Lisa Hopson Horton, of Hailey, ID.

The family wishes to thank Bill’s caregivers for their kindness in the last three years. Anyone wanting to honor Bill should enjoy a sunset and spread some love. Anyone wanting further to honor Bill’s memory can make a donation to The Life Church, the American Motorcycle Association, or Save The Children.

Bill’s family invites his friends to a graveside service Friday, February 16, at 2 p.m. at the Hailey Cemetery.

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