Mary Z. Wigginton Lee, 88 died peacefully on May 4, 2010. Mary and her late husband Arthur J Lee were well known restaurateurs in Dallas. After moving from Chicago they opened the Beefeater Inn known for its Velvet Hammers in 1961 and the Oporto Oyster Bar and Seafood restaurant in 1971. After the passing of her late husband Mary donated an ambulance to the Dallas Fire Department becoming an Honorary Fire Chief on November 14, 1977. Mary was also instrumental in legalizing horse racing in Texas. She is survived by her niece, Lynne Burgess, and two very dear friends Mike Luckock and Chuck Dube. An open visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Chapel East of Hillcrest Mausoleum. Entombment to follow at Hillcrest Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Hospital/U.T. Southwestern, Duke University and SPCA of Dallas.
