Otis Ray Lee

Otis Ray Lee, age 74, was born August 24, 1937, in Tuscaloosa County. After several years of illness, he passed away on December 27, 2011, at DCH Regional Medical Center. He was surrounded by his family and dear friends. Visitation was held at Heritage Chapel on Thursday, December 29, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Heritage Chapel today, December 30, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Pastors Rev. Bill Wilson, Rev. Gary Ward, Rev. Barry Dunn, and Rev. Ken Donaldson will officiate. Beth Lee, daughter-in-law, and Louise Kelley will provide music.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jessie Lee; sister, Melba Spencer; and parents-in-law, Lewis and Rubye Ford.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Berdie Ann Lee; sons, Andy (Melissa) and Randy (Beth) Lee; daughter, Susan Lee; three grandchildren, Gabrielle and Zachary Lee and Madison Beasley; sisters, Virginia Cadenhead (Bill) and Margaret Pate (Bobby); sister-in-law, Munter Ruth Wyatt (Charles); nephew, Chris Pate (Amanda); niece, Michelle McKee (George); nephew, Chuck Wyatt; an uncle, Curtis Lee (Mary); nephew, Chuck Spencer; niece, Dana Burchett (Tommy); and a host of cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Otis was a faithful servant for his Lord since 1956. He served as Sunday School teacher and held a number of other offices, as well as a former officer of Tuscaloosa District of the United Methodist Church. He was a 1963 graduate of the University of Alabama, a practicing CPA for over 40 years, and had recently retired. He was a member of Tuscaloosa Exchange Club, Tuscaloosa Chapter of the ASCPAs, Alabama Society of CPAs, and American Institute of CPAs, and a charter member of the Tuscaloosa City Sales Club.

He was a quiet man who spoke softly and influenced many, never calling attention to himself. He was an avid Alabama baseball and football fan, though he had been unable to enjoy these activities recently. He was an incredibly loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Pallbearers will be grandson Zachary Lee; nephews Chris Pate, Chuck Wyatt, and George McKee; and John Mitchell and Richard Rouse.

Honorary pallbearers are employees of Tidmore, Lee and Associates, PC and all former employees, clients, and business associates for the past 40 years; congregation of Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church; Mary Edna Gregg; Mary May; John and Kerk Chan Mitchell; Dwight Whinery; Tuscaloosa Chapter of CPAs; members of Tuscaloosa Exchange Club; members of Druid Hills United Methodist Church, Coaling United Methodist Church, and Coaling Baptist Church; Lake Wildwood and Keenes Mill Road neighbors; John and Joanna Jacobs; Sidney Allen; Mike and Cindy Tidmore; Claude Edwards; Bryant Bank; Regions Bank; Steve and Mandy Wyatt; Jimmy and Clara Warren; Paul and Shirley Barton; Jim and Betty Johnson; Marlene and Perry Kizer; Don Wilson; Charles Spencer (Patsy); Andy Tucker; Holt High School Class of 1955; Rev. Todd Burkhalter; Rev. Diane Housler; Rev. Barry Dunn; Rev. Bruce and Ann Johnson; Richard and Sylvia Rouse; Rick Hataway; Ron Nolen; Gary Graham; Lee Allen and Mary Nell Hallman; Bob Shaw; Larry O’Neal; Cindy Trusler; Johnny and Fay Gwin; Patricia Booth; Roy and Louise Kelley; Phillip and Renee Hargrove; Eula Phillips; Vicki Kerr; Rhoda Nunnally; Annette and JL Toxey; Gene Poole; Dr. John Dubay and associates; Dr. Steve Lovelady and staff; Dr. Regina Harrell; Dr. Chris Deporter; Dr. Bill Meriwether and staff; Dr. Eric Sputh and associates; Dr. Daniel Potts and staff; Dr. Isabell Oldshue; Alacare Home and Hospice Services; DCH Hospital and Cancer Center; and DCH Cancer Center volunteers Mickie Stith, Mr. Baugh, and Mr. Hall.

A special thank you to the 5th Floor South nursing staff of DCH and all sitters and caregivers who provided such comfort to him during his illnesses.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice.