William Thurman Lee

William Thurman Lee of Dawson Cabin Road passed away on December 14th, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. He was born on November 5th, 1948 in Pascagoula, MS to Willie Mae and Albert Harvey Lee. He was one of seven children. He was raised in Bacon County, GA and upon graduation he joined the USMC. He served honorably 23 years, stateside and abroad, through several wars and conflicts. He was a combat veteran, injured in Vietman. And he received a purple heart.

He met the love of his life, Donna Aikens in Jacksonville, NC in 1971. Amid some controversy, they married January 2nd, 1973 in Camilla, GA. Through almost 45 years they were blessed with a daughter, Janie, and a son Tyrel. Tyrel and his wife Ashley, added to that blessing with 2 grandchildren, Hunter and Natalie.

His love of family is legendary. While only having two children of his own, he welcomed & loved their friends as his own. Many of those "kids" to this day call him some variation of Daddy. And they have always been considered family.

William Thurman Lee (Thurman) is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna, of the home; Daughter, Janie Lee, of Jacksonville; son, Tyrel Lee and wife Ashley, of Jacksonville; 2 grandchildren, Hunter and Natalie Lee; a sister, Helen Malven; As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins & "kids"

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Willie Mae and Albert Harvey Lee; his twin brother William Hurman Lee; his older brother Albert Harvey Lee Jr; sisters, Susan Cummins, Satira Rigdon, and Rebecca Varnadore.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 17 at Johnson Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow at the Lee Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville, NC.