Tommie Lawrence Lee Jr.

Tommie Lawrence Lee Jr., age 75, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at Sentara Rivers Pavilion after a brief illness. Born on December 24, 1950, in Lewiston, North Carolina, Tommie was the son of Tommie Lawrence Lee, Sr. and Pearl Whitfield Lee. He lived in Norfolk, Virginia, and throughout his life carried himself with steady purpose. Tommie was hard-working and resilient in the face of life’s demands, yet gentle, compassionate, and generous in the ways that mattered most.

Tommie attended Bertie County Schools and was an alumni graduate of Bertie Senior High School, Class of 1969, in Bertie County, North Carolina. The Class of 69 was the very first graduating class in the school’s history. In those early years, his leadership was already evident: he served as drum major and led the drum line for the Bertie Senior High School Marching Falcons, and he also played on the Bertie County High School Varsity Football team.

Upon graduating in May of 1969, Tommie’s mother gave him a Bible, a gift he read and cherished for more than 57 years. Even as its pages became tattered with faithful use, he had it custom rebound, honoring what it meant to him with the same thoughtful care he so often showed others. His favorite scripture was 2 Corinthians 4: verses 7–8. Tommie held fast in his faith, he attended New St. Thomas Baptist Church of Portsmouth, Virginia for over 10 years.

A man of devotion and deep love for his family, Tommie married his friend of over 40 years, Barbara Nance. Tommie loved to talk; he "never met a stranger" and he would keep you laughing with his sarcastic sense of humor. Those who knew him best will remember a beloved and cherished presence.

Tommie found joy in the open road and in the company he kept. He loved riding his Gold Wing Motorcycle, and his adventurous spirit also shone through in his love of RVing, road trips, and camping. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and an amazing cook. He could cook anything, although breakfast was his favorite meal of the day. Tommie was a lifelong student of history. which is the key reason why he loved reading his bible. He also took pride in presenting himself well, known for dressing nice and looking sharp, with a special fondness for hats—especially the “Kangol,” which he collected in every color and design you could imagine. He loved his family and he truly enjoyed attending his family reunions which were held all over the country. Tommie somehow always found a way to bring warmth and humor to those very special moments which became everlasting memories. His favorite saying, which he always delivered with unmistakable confidence, was: “You Got That Right!”

Tommie was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Veronica Lee Dunbar (Richard) of Norfolk, Virginia. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Nance Lee; his son, Tommie Lawrence Lee, III (Sheree), of Indiana; his daughters, Tonya Foster of Connecticut, Teressa Lee of Virginia, and Christina Lee of Texas; his stepchildren, Michelle Brown of North Carolina and Elliott Brown of Georgia; his sisters, Jennifer Lee Penix-Susong (Donnie) and Sheila Lee of North Carolina; a special friend, Bishop Byron Collins; and a host of cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His memory is a guiding light that will never dim; for those we love will live forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, on August 14, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

A Memorial Service is currently being planned for September 2026 and will be announced at a later date followed by entombment at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia 23502.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 4:7–8