LEXINGTON – Wilburn “Bill” Davis Lee, Jr. was born to Mary Ryals and Wilburn D. Lee, Sr., on July 18, 1928 in the family home in Plattsburg, Mississippi. He passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018 at Lexington Baptist Church with interment in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. He is predeceased by his first wife Dorothy Proctor Lee, his second wife Mary Lyerly Lee and his daughter Rebecca Lee Reed. Surviving are his sweetheart and wife of 25 years, Rachel Franklin Lee. He is also survived by his son Steve Lee (Karen); daughter Rausa McManus (Neil); step-daughter Cindy Smith and step-son Wayne Lowman. His adoring grandchildren are Paige Rostin (Mike), Patrick Reed (Ryan), Cory McManus (Tildsley), Lauren Smith, Kirt McManus (Heidi), Joseph McCown (Allie), Mary Kate McManus and John McManus, along with great-grandchildren Saunders and McCrae. Bill graduated valedictorian from Arlington High School; then joined the Marine Corps, followed by the ROTC program at Mississippi State University where he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. He served in the Korean conflict as a company commander of 200 men as a 25-year old. After the war, Bill took a job with Farm Bureau Insurance and became the first SC State Sales Manager. He held this position over 30 years, while simultaneously serving in the Army Reserves until he retired as a Colonel. Bill had a huge heart for service to his God, his family and his nation. He believed in lifelong learning and kept his mind sharp by reading, studying history, traveling the US and world, doing daily crossword puzzles and of course, his favorite game shows. He taught Sunday school in his children’s classes when they were young and continued teaching at church his entire life. He also served as Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, hospital volunteer, election poll manager, Ordained Deacon, usher, prayer minister, and other positions of service in his church and community. Bill was a people person who adored spending time with his family and valued every friendship. He taught all of us the meaning of a gentle spirit, a kind heart and a complementary word. He encouraged us to trust God, believe in our own abilities and never give up. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service for his children and grandchildren. His memory will live on through us and all those who were touched by his generous actions, words and deeds. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lexington Baptist Church Senior Ministry, 308 E. Main St, Lexington, SC 29072.
