James Everette “Towsel” Lee, Jr. of Coats departed this life on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at his home being 69 years of age. He was born the eldest child of the late James Everette Lee, Sr. and the late Helen Louise Holmes Lee on August 6, 1949 in Dunn, North Carolina.
Towsel had lived a very adventurous and full life, being a graduate of Dunn High School and then later East Carolina University. He was a member of Trinity Lakeshore Pentecostal Holiness Church where he played the guitar. He had a profound love for music and was a very distinguished guitarist, also playing in a group called "Men Of Distinction" for many years. One of his most proud moments and priceless memories was when he got to sub for the guitar player for the group Sam and Dave. He later served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War were he was a Lieutenant. He held the responsibility of piloting fighter jets and serving as a Weapon System Officer. Upon being honorably discharged from the Air Force he went on to work at the family business in Dunn, Lee's IGA.
On October 9, 2004 he married his wife Mary Helen White Lee and they enjoyed 13 wonderful years of marriage together. In the years to follow he worked in corrections and as a firearms instructor. Upon retiring from the state he was the Chief Probation Officer. He also enjoyed volunteering at Holmes Hardware Store in Erwin where he spent many days tinkering and having coffee and friendly conversation with those that came to the store. Those who knew him best recalled him at as a good ole boy with a very off beat sense of humor who loved to laugh and pull everyone's leg. He also was an avid hunter. Some of his favorite game to hunt were snakes, wild boar and deer. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be sorely missed.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 13 years Mary Helen White Lee; three daughters: Asheley Tart and husband Michael of Eastover, Amy Lee, and Tabitha Fink and husband Matthew of Spring Lake; two step sons: Christopher Coats and wife Penny of Lillington and Jared Coats of Lillington; grandchildren: Layla Tart, Greta Tart, Jack Tart, Jayden Moore, Peyton Pope, Landon Fink, Jaspen Coats, Jacob Coats, Jacquelin Coats, Jaycee Coats, Alexis Coats and Christopher Coats, Jr.; one step great-grandchild: Easton Childress; two sisters: Debbie Caton and husband Stan of Ashville and Tracey Lee Heskey and Ralph Hughes of Coats.
You are cordially invited to a time of visitation on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home.
A funeral service to commemorate the life of James Everette Lee, Jr. will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Trinity Lakeshore Pentecostal Holiness Church, 714 Carolina Dr, Dunn, NC 28334, with Rev. Chris Brown and Rev. Tom Wagoner presiding. He will be laid to rest in Harnett Devotional Gardens with friends and family serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of customary remembrances memorial contributions may be directed to CurePSP 1206 York Road, Suite L-4 Lutherville, MD 21093.
All arrangements are entrusted to Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cromartiemiller.com
