Obituary: Joseph Howard Lee, 84, Lebanon
JAMES HOWARD LEE
Joseph Howard Lee, 84, of Lebanon, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. He was born Aug. 29, 1931 in Lebanon. He grew up in Greenbriar and farmed in Salleetown for almost 50 years until he retired in 2000. He was a lifelong resident of the Calvary community and member of Holy name of Mary Catholic Church. He served as a Eucharistic minister and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He started farming at age 15 with his first tobacco crop. Farming was not only a way of life for him, it was his passion. He loved the land and took great pride in it. His endeavor was to leave it better than he found it, and that he did. He was named Marion County Outstanding Young Farmer in 1962, Outstanding Farmer in 1978 and Master Conservationist in 1970. He was a Farm Bureau director, a member of Marion County Cattlemen’s Association, and a committee member of Southern States and Farm Services Agency. He loved dancing and country music. He enjoyed this leisure passion up until his final days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Herbert and Emma Newcome Lee; his grandparents, Sherman and Mattie Newcome who helped rear him; one brother, J.L. Lee; and an infant brother.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 64 years, Leona Mae Lee; and seven children who are forever grateful for all that he taught them by his example; five daughters, Nadine (Bob) Thompson of Louisville, Sandra (Larry) Rice and Shirley (Jon) Sanchez of Lexington, Ellen (Ken) Shackleford of Indianapolis, Ann (Wayne) Mattingly of Versailles; two sons, David (Kim) Lee of Denver, N.C. and Perry (Renee) Lee of Elkhorn; two sisters, Nora Symmers of Stone Mountain, Ga. and Tootsie Wheatley of Campbellsville; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Bill Bowling officiating and Deacon Joe Bland assisting.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Bosley Funeral Home in Lebanon with a prayer service 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Augustine School, 236 North Spalding Ave, Lebanon or the Lexington Area Parkinson’s Support Group.
The Bosley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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