Arlon Lee, age 95, of Poplarville, MS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of Poplarville, Arlon built a life rooted in hard work, family, and the simple things he loved most.
On April 18, 1948, he married the love of his life, Reba Voncile Lee, and together they built a life filled with family and raised five children. Their home was always a place where family gathered and time was spent together.
Arlon was a hardworking man who spent his life close to the land. He worked as a heavy equipment operator on jobs ranging from the Northeast to the South, a testament to his strong work ethic and skill. He was also a fish, cattle, and bee farmer, and if you were from Pearl River County, chances are you knew his work. Many would say he was the best pond builder around; he had a gift for shaping the land and bringing water to life. What he built with his hands will continue on for years to come, a quiet reminder of his dedication and pride in a job well done.
He also took great pride in his sugar cane mill, a cherished family heirloom purchased by his father around 1915 and he greatly enjoyed the time-honored tradition of turning cane into syrup, a labor of love he carried on for years.
Arlon never met a stranger. He loved to talk and tell stories at the coffee shop, out on the street, or wherever he happened to meet you. His conversations, laughter, and gift for storytelling will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Reba Voncile Lee; his son, Nathan Arlon Lee; parents, Robert F. Lee, Sr. and Myrtle Elizabeth Chadwick Lee Rester; and his siblings, Adolph Lee, Hazel Spataro, Margie Seal, Gladys Hauk, Nell Smith, Betty Hickman, Robert A. Lee, Gary A. Lee, Susie King, Marvin Lee, Leroy Lee, and Beatrice Lee.
Arlon is survived by his devoted children, Larry Lee (Betty), Ardelia Hackbarth, Tina Lee, and Kevin Lee (Mary Lynn); his siblings, Dianne Stewart, Robert F. Lee, Jr., David Lee, Johnny Lee, Jerry Lee, Fannie Cromer, Michael Lee, and Evelyn Tootle; 13 cherished grandchildren, Alethia, Finisha (Cam), Nicholas, Brian (Angela), Cody (Megan), Nathan Jr., Elena (Robby), Stasha (Dustin), Eric (Casey), Kryte (Misty), Kaleb (Amanda), Dakota (Matthew), and Mia; and many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy.
Visitation will be held at White Funeral Home in Poplarville, MS, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Reverend Doug McNair will officiate and burial will follow at Lee's Cemetery No. 1 in Lumberton, MS assisted by Randy Ladner, Josh Ladner, Joe Lee, Mike Rester, T.J. Lee, and Denny Tynes as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers, Rudy Melancon, and Darren Straus.
