of Little Rock, AR

December 22, 1931 - October 16, 2008

Philip E. Lee (Maj., Ret. USAF), age 76, went to be with the Lord after his courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, October 16, 2008. Phil was born December 22, 1931 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the only child of Edgar and Grace Lee, who preceded him in death. Phil is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marlene, and three children, Wayne (Paula) Lee of Sherwood, Jeff (Lori) Lee of Ft. Smith, and Lynda (Charles) Weir of Little Rock. He is also survived by ten adoring grandchildren, Ryan (Hannah) Lee of Fayetteville, Taylor and Carter Lee of Sherwood, Landon, Logan, Seth, Carson and Grayson Lee of Ft. Smith, and Connor and Amanda Weir of Little Rock.

Phil spent twenty years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a navigator on various aircraft, a squadron commander and communications officer. After a tour of duty in Alaska, he spent the final year of his Air Force career on a combat tour in Vietnam as a navigator on the C-119 "Shadow" gunships. He earned numerous awards and was a decorated veteran.

Upon retirement in 1971, Phil embarked on a second career. After graduating from UALR in 1976 with a BS in Biology, Phil taught biology at Northeast High School for 17 years. He also obtained a Masters Degree in Secondary Education in 1979 from the University of Arkansas. After his retirement from teaching, he substituted often at Pulaski Academy. "Mr. Lee" was an entertaining and beloved teacher, who inspired many students to seek careers in science and medicine.

Phil was an avid outdoorsman. He particularly enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and boating, especially during his time in Alaska and Arkansas, even working as a park ranger in Oregon. In his later years Phil loved reading, gun collecting, airplanes, war movies and traveling.

He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and they remember him as a devoted Christian who left a legacy of his faith to his family. He attended Fellowship Bible Church for 25 years and faithfully served in many ways. He was a blessing to his family and all who knew him.

The funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon, Monday, October 20, 2008 at Fellowship Bible Church's Chapel, Little Rock. Interment will immediately follow at the Arkansas Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Sunday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501)224-8300 in Little Rock.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Phil Lee Memorial Fund at Fellowship Bible Church.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com