I remember Lee like a ray of sunshine, and I'll always remember him that way!  Kind, fun, funny and I can't think of one soul that didn't adore him, still do!❤

One of my best friends until age 12. All in the same neighborhood. Always adventuresome and fun to be around.

Like the other people that wrote about Lee he was an awesome childhood friend. He had an adventuresomeness to him. Couple of fond memories ...for one the times we would hop a bus to Downtown Birmingham from Mountain Brook. We were around 11 years old. I deistically remember smoking swisher sweets cigars in theses escapades. I also remember hanging out at his parents house and listening to sister Betsy's Beatles album Let it Be. He was a kind soul and we would laugh about those bus rides whenever I saw him later. RIP
Woody Marks

Lee was one of the first people I met when I moved to Birmingham in 1969 and was my closest friend. He introduced me to a lot of the people I know today. I have so many great memories of our childhood. I believe Lee had a teacher's heart. He unsuccessfully tried to make a bow hunter out of me. One of my fondest memories of Lee was stalking various critters on Birmingham Country Club golf course. We would often be interrupted by the greens keeper making his rounds and have to scramble for the trees or dive into a near by ditch, laughing all the way. What an adventure. I had so much fun with Lee and will cherish his memory. 
May you be at peace and know you were loved my brother.

The last time I saw Lee was snapper fishing in Gulf Shores.  We had a great time that day. One filled with fond memories and some real nice fish pics. I knew Lee since 1st grade.  He was the definition of a gentle giant. Tough as nails on the outside but soft on the inside. I, along with many others Crestliners can attest to that. Rest in peace my brother.

I am stunned.  Lee was always the nicest guy, I am so sorry for this loss of an incredible big hearted man.  Prayers and thoughts are with J and the rest of his family

Lee was my closest childhood friend.
I am saddened by his lose and wish to extend my prayers of comfort to his family and friends.
I remember Lee as a gentle soul who was quick to extend his heart and hand to ease the burdens of others.
My fondest memories of Lee are of times spent at the beach in Destin or on the water in South Alabama.
Lee has left an indelible impression of kindness in my heart and I will miss him.
Godspeed my friend!

Lee and I went way back probably from the time I was in second grade. He was a friend of my brother's as well. They were always wrestling with each other, constantly throwing each other around trying to prove who the toughest guy was, I suppose. So many memories, most of them adventure related with plenty of excitement and rich experience. It's true he lived life to its fullest and on his own terms and it's not necessarily sad that he is gone if the good memories of him remain in our heart. No more pain. Rest in peace, my friend.

My childhood and high school friend Lee was like a brother of mine. He and I loved doing so many of the same things. When we were young, we loved to wrestle, climb trees, build forts 
And go camping in the nearby forests. Later in high school, we became interested in girls, hunting and fishing, and always competing to be the best in all three categories - usually with Lee winning most of the time! 
So many memories. Perhaps the one memory though that captures his heart more than anything was when I broke my arm as young boy and was brought home from the hospital. Lee, like a brother, was there waiting at the house. 
He sat in a chair for several hours, while I slept on the sofa, waiting for me to get well. I suspect He probably would have sat there all day and night, except that my mother realized it was late and time for him to go home. 
Lee, wherever you are my friend, I wish you well. May the peace that you, and all of us wish for in our lives, now be a part of your spirit. Godspeed on your new journey my friend. You will be missed by many.

I ran into Lee in the fall while walking on Jemison Trail. 
It was good catching up with him after 24 years!  
I send my condolences to his family.

Saw Lee in January. We spent a lot of time together years ago. Did a lot of Fishing and Hunting together.
Stunned to just now find out.
Sincere Condolence's
Michael Curtis Hunt 256.508.0497

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Charles Lee Venable

Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlors

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