ROBERT LEE ELLEY III

Robert Lee Elley, III beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Friday, April 16th at the age of 33. Lee was a precious and tender soul with a personality and smile that lit up a room. He loved his family and friends deeply and nothing made him happier than spending time with them.

From his earliest years Lee loved sports and followed in his father's footsteps playing both football and baseball. He spent some of his happiest years being coached by his dad. From their youth football team, the Cowboys, to the baseball fields of McAllister Park, and through the unforgettable years spent with his travel baseball family the Xpress, making lifelong friends along the way. Lee attended Reagan High School where he had the most awesome group of friends a person could have. He excelled both academically and in baseball earning numerous awards and all-city and all-state honors in baseball. He then fulfilled his dream of being a Texas Longhorn and earned his undergraduate degree in Business Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with honors. He then achieved his Master of Finance from UTSA, pursuing a career in Project Management in the commercial construction industry.

Lee had a deep faith rooted in his early childhood, but which especially grew during his time involved with Young Life in High School.

He so loved his time at Frontier Ranch in Colorado that he went back as a staff volunteer for a month on "work crew" wanting the fun not to stop. It was evident he treasured his experiences there and on a recent trip through Colorado he contacted his old Young Life leader to see if he could drive by and just take a look at the camp again.

Anyone who knew Lee knew of his love for the University of Texas and college football. If asked, he could tell you every stat about every player (or recruit). This amazing ability for recall extended well beyond UT football and he could entertain family & friends with this "party trick" upon request. He so looked forward to tailgating every football season and our away game road trips with friends.

Everyone who knew Lee speaks of his kindness and sense of humor. He was thoughtful and did not seek attention but came to life around those he loved and seemed happiest in their presence. He enjoyed nothing more than planning activities for his friends so they could all be together and cut up. From golf matches, fantasy football leagues & draft parties, to his infamous Christmas party and all the years spent in Rockport where he soaked up life with those he treasured. He loved his family and friends deeply and was surrounded and loved by ALL who knew him—especially his "band of brothers"—his dearest friends who were as close as true brothers. Lee was blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by both his birth family & a large extended group of family friends who considered him brother and son.

Not many in life will experience such a huge circle of love—he counted his blessings. The times spent with this "family group" fishing, hunting, sausage making weekends and especially in Rockport or our ski trips to Timberline were some of the happiest of his life.

While we will never stop missing our precious Leebo, we take comfort in knowing he is home safe in the arms of Jesus and cannot wait for us to get there so he can show us all around.

Proverbs 8:17 "I love all who love Me. Those who search will surely find Me."

Lee is survived by his parents, Robert Lee Elley, Jr and Cynthia Croom Elley; his sister, Tyler Elizabeth Elley; his paternal grandparents Robert Lee Elley, Sr and Helen Miller Elley; and Maternal Grandfather William D. Croom, Jr and wife Carol Council Croom.

He was preceded in Death by his maternal grandmother Phyllis Bobbitt Croom.

He is also survived by his aunts and uncles James and Donna Montgomery, William, III and Michelle Croom, Patrick and Jennifer Davidson and first cousins Chris and Vanessa Montgomery, Laura Swanson and Sam Croom and Madison and Jack Davidson.

A celebration of life service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio on Thursday, April 29th at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to Young Life in Lee's name or the charity of your choice.

Donations can be made out and mailed to:

Young Life

24165 IH-10 West

Suite 217-758

San Antonio, TX 78257

Young Life online giving: giving.younglife.org

*Please Designate Area D159 and there is a link to Lee's name