Lee Warhurst

Mr. Lee Warhurst, former owner of a brick contracting business in northern Virginia and longtime employee of Merrifield Garden Center, died on Friday, July 12, 2013, at his home in Fairfax, Virginia. He was 86.

Lee Warhurst was born on June 15, 1927 in Era, Texas. He was the second of eight children born to Claude and Mary Warhurst. He grew up in Russellville, Alabama, and moved to Northern Virginia after serving in the U.S. Army.

Lee became a bricklayer, and started his own contracting company in 1949. Working with his brothers Charles, Bob, Tracy and Carl, and later his father Claude, who had also moved up from Alabama, they built houses, commercial buildings and churches throughout Northern Virginia.

Lee met Ivy Saintmayer and they were married in 1947. Ivy had two children from a previous marriage – son Jennings “Brubby” Webb and daughter Virginia “Peefie” Marie Webb – whom Lee treated like his own. After his marriage ended, Lee then spent many wonderful years with Jodie Davis, whom many felt was the love of his life.

Later in life, after he sold his business, Mr. Lee went to work for his brother Bob at Merrifield Garden Center. He loved working at the nursery with his brothers Bob, Carl and Tracy and all the members of the Merrifield family. He enjoyed helping customers and was well known for the delicious popcorn that he made and served at the Fair Oaks location in Fairfax.

Mr. Lee loved playing golf (attaining a “hole in one” in 2005), chatting with customers and driving his red corvette. He was a true southern gentleman and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Survivors include his stepson Jennings Webb; brothers Bob Warhurst and Carl Warhurst, sisters Margene Scruggs and Jane Von Pingel; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 16 from 6-8pm at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 10 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.