He was born in Midland, Texas on December 25, 1920. He was raised on a cattle ranch east of Kermit in Winkler County Texas. Lee attended high school in Kermit and graduated from Texas A&M in June 1941. He went into the Navy three days later as an Aviation Cadet and was a Lt. Commander when the war ended. Lee flew Grumman F6F Hellcats as a carrier fighter pilot during World War II. He received several air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war, he operated ranches in Winkler, Comanche, and Erath County’s raising registered Hereford cattle. He was the past President of the American Hereford Association and the Texas Hereford Association.
He is survived by his daughter Betty.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.
