Joe Edwin Lee, Sr.

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First Baptist Church
43 Oak Tree Road
Damascus, AR  72039
Friday, April 22, 2016
2:00PM
Joe Edwin Lee, Sr.I am a Veteran.

of Clinton, AR

May 26, 1940 - April 17, 2016

Joe Edwin Lee, Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the age of 75 after a short but mighty battle with heart and lung disease. He was born on May 26, 1940 in Conway, Arkansas to Esther Ann (Hall) Lee and James Carl Lee of Damascus, Arkansas. He attended school in Damascus until the 6th grade and finished high school at South Side Bee Branch in 1958. He grew up showing cattle as a young boy and developed his love for the car business working alongside his father at their Esso Station in Damascus. He gave his life to Christ and was baptized at the age of eleven alongside his twin sister Lou in the original First Baptist Church building in Damascus, where he would later teach Sunday school. Joe attended Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas. He was also a member of the National Guard.

Joe married his wife of 53 years, MaryLou (Lefler) of Clinton, Arkansas on April 12, 1963 at the First United Methodist Church in Clinton, Arkansas. Joe worked for his father at the Esso Station in Damascus as a young boy until after he married. He also worked for a short time on the local Titan II missile silos. In 1967, he joined his wife's family at Lefler Chevrolet and later fully purchased the business by 1981 and it became known as Joe Lee Chevrolet. Joe enjoyed the car business and the cattle business his entire life. Even though he often talked about retiring from both, he never gave up his love of people or the love of a trade. Whether it was trucks, tractors or farms, Joe enjoyed connecting with people. He so enjoyed the opportunity to help someone. It was always his desire to give rather than to receive. He spent countless hours making jelly for the pleasure of giving it away to hundreds of people. He was a blessed man, who believed in giving back, and served on numerous boards and committees including the Area Agency on Aging, the Super Chevy Dealers, the Rotary Club and the South Side School Board.

Joe was dearly loved by his family and is survived by his wife MaryLou, and their four children, Joe E. Lee, Jr. (Joey) of Clinton, Ginger Ann Lee-Wood and her husband C. Mark Wood of Bee Branch Mountain, Susan Frances Lee-Ward and her husband Steven J. Ward of Clinton, Justin Russell Lee and his wife Jessica Caroline Stagg Lee of Clinton, and a beloved twin sister, Lou Ann Lee Burchfield and her husband O.D. of Wooster, Arkansas. Joe is also survived by six grandchildren that he adored: Abigail Suzanne Lester Bonds (22) and husband Lawson K. Bonds, Harrison Bradlee Lester (19), Rylee Jonmark Wood (18), Jacob Carson Wood (16), Anna Caroline Lee (14) and Gracie Kate Lee (12). He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and a large group of dearly beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Carl (1979) and Esther Lee (1996).

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Damascus, Arkansas where Joe was a lifelong member. Long-time family friend, Bro. Tommy Hall will be officiating. Honorary pall bearers will be the coffee shop gang that he loved so much and enjoyed on a daily basis. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Joe Lee Chevrolet from 6-8pm. In honor of Joe's wishes, he will ''go rest high on the mountain'' on his farm on Bee Branch Mountain that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, it was Joe's desire that remembrances be made to Companion Spay & Neuter (589 Highway 65 North, Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058), or Operation Kindness (P.O. Box 543, Marshall, Arkansas 72650), in honor of his wife's lifelong commitment.


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34 Condolence(s)
Sue Jennings Rooks
Luray, VA
Liked
Tuesday, May 3, 2016

My prayers are with your families at this time. Joe was a very good friend to my parents and they respected him so much. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Jim & Laudell Massengill
Clinton, AR
Liked
Friday, April 22, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. God will help you through this time of grief.

Geraldine (Payne) Valentine
Bee Branch, AR
Liked
Friday, April 22, 2016

To Lou Lee Burchfield and the family of Joe Lee. I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Meredith Post
Greenbrier,
Liked
Friday, April 22, 2016

Susan,
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your precious daddy. He was such a special man and loved by so many. I know that the loss you feel in your heart is tremendous and I'm so sorry. He was always such a good friend to my dad. The world seems to be a lonelier place knowing that those two men aren't lights in the world anymore. A thousand hugs to you at this time. I'll be praying for you today as you lay him to rest and in the days ahead.
All my best,
Meredith Post and Family

Nancy Bennett
Dennard, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 21, 2016

So sorry for your loss, Joe was a friend to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with each if you at this difficult time.

Nancy Bennett

Barbara Evans
Hendersonville, TN
Liked
Thursday, April 21, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Joe passing away. He was a very nice man. I remember him from years ago when I worked for Imogene at Rogers Drug. I didn't know anyone in town when I moved there. The drug store was a the best place to work because everyone in town came there. People were so kind and welcoming to me but there were some who seemed to always have a smile and a pleasant thing to say and Joe was certainly one of those.
I will keep all of you in my prayers during this sad time.
Go rest high on that mountain, Joe. Your work on earth is done. Barbara Evans

whitney and leroy longshore and susan weaver jeremy weaver
CLINTON, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 21, 2016

Prayers for the family and joe will be missed by all he was a great man.

Dena & Dewayne Tumbleson
Greenbrier,
Liked
Thursday, April 21, 2016

So sorry to hear about Joe, I always thought a lot of him our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. My God help y'all though this

Cissy Mahan Lieblong and G.L. Lieblong
Scottsdale, AZ
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

To Lou Lee Burchfield and all of Joe's beloved family. G.L. and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Joe. He was respected and loved by so many. Our prayers and hearts are with you at this sad time.
Blessings,
Cissy Mahan Lieblong and G.L. Lieblong

Jeanie Dunn McDaniel
Clinton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Dear Marylou and Family,

So sorry to hear of Joe's passing,,,,I know that no amount of words can stop the pain...just know that we are all praying for you and yours. Know that you are sent lots of love by all who knew you and Joe. He always had a smile on his face. Always in a good mood. Cherish your memories. I hope you can draw peace and comfort from the Heavenly Father.
Jeanie

Jerel and Kathleen Brown
Shirley, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

So sorry to hear about Joe. We always enjoyed our visits with him. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Wendy Cope
Clinton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Susan and Justin, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was always kind with a smile, what great qualities. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Sheila Bradley Pearson
Clinton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Joe always had a smile and was such a joy to be around. I know his presence will be missed by family and all who knew him. May the family find comfort knowing Joe is now in Heaven and watching over his beloved family.

Gladys Maxwell
Clinton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was loved by many and will be missed by the people in Clinton as well as his family. Love and prayers to all of you.

Phyllis Tumbleson McMillen
Bee Branch,
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Joe was one of a kind I have always thought a lot of him. I'm so very sorry. May God bless you all during this time of sorrow

Renaa Taber
Bee Branch, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

To the Lee Family, You all have blessed my family when we had the Rice's One Stop, You all have been blessed when my stepfather Carl Rice bought a Chev Silverado truck from Joe. I inheireted the truck, from Carl, and know it still runs. Joe and you all are still in my heart when I first found out of his passing. God will keep you in His loving Hands and comfort you this time. Casey and I love you all very much.
Renaa

David & Connie Smith
Clinton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Susan and family,
Sorry to hear about Joe.
Heaven has gained another special person.
He will be missed by many, many people.
Always had a big smile on his face.
Just remember, talk to God and He will help you
get through the hard days ahead.
God Bless You All!
David & Connie Smith

Karen Harlan
Damascus, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss of your dear loved one.He always met you with a smile and a how are you doing? My thougths and prayers go out to you all at this time.God bless you all.....

James & Sonya Washington
Clinton,
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Prayers are with all of you. Joe was a wonderful man and we thought a lot of him. He was truly one of a kind and a precious soul; Always treating everyone with kindness and respect. Our hearts are saddened!! We loved Joe and will miss him May God comfort each of you.

Ben G and Veatrice Hunt; Paul, Candace and Ben Smith
Shirley, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. As a family we've known Joe from the time he worked at the Esso, till the newest Chevy truck we have. along with countless ballgames. During all this time Joe was a friend to this family, and one of the finest men we've ever known.

Bill Bramlett
Scotland, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of the family in this time of sorrow.

James Roy Lefler
Jupiter, FL
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Mary Lou and family,
Jacqui and my entire family are so sorry for your loss.
Joe was a special guy, he was so kind to spend time with dad and always around to help mom.
You both helped raise me and I will never forget growing up with you and Joe and your support.

Blessings,
Jim

Karla Smith Elliott
Bee Branch, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Mary Lou and children; I am so sorry for your loss. Know I am thinking of you and including request for your peace of mind and strength in my prayers. May God bless you always. Karla

Mary Jean Hall
Scotland, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers with the loss of Joe. Everyone will sure miss him.

Mary Jean Hall

Carolyn Gadberry
St. Vincent, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Lou & Family: I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I know how hard this has been for you the past few months. Lou, thank you for being there for me during my husband's sickness & death last year. You have become a dear friend & I will continue to pray for you & your family. God Bless You. Carolyn

Shirley Waller
Clinton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Mary Lou and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Joe will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob and Shirley Waller
and family

Doug and Nancy Green
Bee Branch, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Our prayers are for your family during this difficult time.

Jim & Vickie Whisenant
Clinton, AR
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

Joe was one of a kind and we loved him dearly. He will be missed by so many. Our prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Chris and Leah Hutto
Damascus, AR
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

Dear Family, So sorry to hear about Joe's passing..He was a good man that always wanted to know how things were going back in Damascus everytime I saw him..He never forgot where he came from and how friends are so important in one's life..He will be missed by so many..Our prayers are with you all...

Janie Fullilove
Clinton, AR
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

Mary Lou; I was sadden to here of Joe's death, he was a well liked man whom everyone loved he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Tracy Cooley
Bee Branch,
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

Joe will be missed by all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Steve and Tamara Wright
Quitman, AR
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

Thoughts and prayers in your time of sorrow.

Brenda Linn
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. ~~Brenda Linn

Tom and Jo Beth shaw, Hazel Burnett
Clinton,
Liked
Monday, April 18, 2016

We are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family.