Shedrick Lee

Shedrick Lee, 78, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, right where he was happiest: at home, watching his favorite show alongside Maryalice, his wife of 52 years.

Some people spend their lives making a name for themselves. Others spend their lives making a difference in the lives of those around them. Shedrick Lee was the latter.

To know Shedrick was to know strength, kindness, unwavering faith, and, more often than not, a little stubbornness and a good laugh.

His walk with the Lord began at just five years old, when he would walk himself to church and spend time reading his Bible. That early dedication grew into a lifelong commitment to his faith. As a deacon of Grace United, he was deeply involved in the life of his church, giving his time and heart to the congregation until his declining health prevented him from doing so. Even then, his dedication never wavered, as he continued reading his daily devotions and finding guidance in God’s Word. His beliefs weren’t simply something he spoke about; they shaped the way he lived and treated others.

Shedrick proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. It was during his military service that he met Maryalice, a fellow veteran who would become his wife of 52 years. Known for his impressive record collection, Shedrick caught Maryalice’s attention when she wanted to borrow one of his records. What began with a borrowed record became a lifetime together, raising a family and building a home filled with love and laughter. Both Shedrick and Maryalice were disabled veterans, having made sacrifices in service to their country. Following his military career, Shedrick spent many years working as a truck driver, providing for his family through hard work and determination.

Music was always a big part of Shedrick’s life, especially Motown. His appreciation for a good song never faded, and you could always tell when he was coming home because the music from his truck announced his arrival long before he reached the driveway. It was one of those familiar things that made Shedrick unmistakably himself.

As the oldest of ten siblings, Shedrick held a special place in his family from an early age. He was the big brother his younger siblings looked up to, someone they could turn to for guidance, support, and a little brotherly wisdom. That sense of responsibility and care for those around him stayed with him throughout his life, carrying into the family he would one day raise himself.

Together, Shedrick and Maryalice raised four children: Shedrick (Keke), Joshua, Anjanette, and Christopher. He also embraced his daughters-in-law as honorary daughters, Casey as an honorary son, and Nina as an honorary granddaughter. His family continued to grow through his grandchildren, including Janea (Casey), Kiana (Derek), Isaiah (Jordyn), Brandee, Netanya, and Aondrea, along with many younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To them, he was simply Papa, a source of love, wisdom, laughter, and strength.

Most people knew him simply as Papa, Dad, or Shedrick, and those names carried a great deal of meaning to the people who used them. His place in people’s lives extended well beyond his own family. Since his passing, so many have shared the same words: “He was like a father to me.” Whether someone needed advice, reassurance, a helping hand, or simply someone to listen, Shedrick made room for them.

He was strong-willed, quick with a joke, and never afraid to speak his mind. He also had a way of making everyone feel remembered. He never forgot a birthday, and no matter how old you were, you could count on a card from Papa with a little cash tucked inside, always matching the age you were turning. It was a tradition that brought smiles year after year and one of the countless ways he showed people how much they mattered to him.

He also knew his way around the kitchen, and his sweet potato pie and cornbread stuffing will be especially missed at Thanksgiving this year. Those everyday moments, the sound of his laugh, familiar conversations, and the comfort of his presence are memories his family will treasure for years to come.

Even as his health declined, his concern for others remained unchanged. When someone recently offered to pray for him, he simply replied, “Pray for my wife.” Those four words captured the selflessness that defined so much of his life.

Shedrick gave generously of himself to his country, his church, his family, and anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He leaves behind more than memories; he leaves an example of what it means to live with purpose, conviction, compassion, and faith.

Shedrick leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family forever changed by his presence. His voice, his laughter, his wisdom, and the familiar sound of music coming from his truck will be missed more than words can express. But the greatest part of his legacy lives on in the people he raised, the lives he touched, and the example he set.

He spent his life walking with the Lord, loving his family, and being someone, others could count on. Though saying goodbye is never easy, there is peace in knowing that a man who gave so much of himself to others is finally at rest.

And while the world may know him as Shedrick Lee, to so many of us, he will always simply be Papa.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, (46835). A Homegoing Celebration Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the funeral with visitation one hour prior to services, Pastor Guy Willis, officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Concordia Gardens Cemetery.

Fond memories may be shared at www.mccomband sons.com for the family.