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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
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Garland Lee Obituary
Born: Jan 9, 1947 | Died: Mar 16, 2025
LEE, GARLAND, prominent local farmer and cattleman respected throughout East and Middle Tennessee, Garland Lee, age 78, of Sweetwater, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, after bravely battling a devastating illness for months. Garland had enjoyed a professional career of 30 years with the Department of Commerce and Insurance, most of the time as a state fire marshal, during that time he was selected to serve on a federal trouble-shooting team traveling nationwide on call for a number of years. In both agricultural and public service, Garland took pride in his work. He enjoyed mentoring newcomers to both fields. He was sought out by others for his advice and expertise. He was delighted to help others in any way he could. He was a collector of many things, but the things he valued most were family and friends. Preceded in death by his mother, Mildred June Lee Smith; father, William Shaddrick Lee; sister, Debra Newberry; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William Lester and Lelia Monteith Thomas; sister-in-law, Theresa Thomas Stafford; brother-in-law, Jerry Lester Thomas. Survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda Thomas Lee (Sweetwater), whom worked side by side with him to build a life together on the farm and in business; brothers, Edward and Judy Lee (Lenior City), Sam Lee (Lenior City), Philip (Jean) Newberry (Lenior City); sisters, Becky Lee (Tim) Morrison (Lenior City), Cathy Lee (Randy) Richardson (Memphis); several nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Larry Thomas (Sweetwater); sister-in-law, Frieda Thomas Brown (Sweetwater). The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater from 5 - 7 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. in Kyker's Chapel with Rev. Randy Lawson and Rev. Riley Huffstetler officiating. Interment 11 a.m., on Friday in the Fenders Cemetery. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Fenders Community Cemetery Fund: Frieda Brown 189 Blue Springs Road, Sweetwater, TN 37874
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Sponsored by Kyker Funeral Homes - Sweetwater J.S. Kyker & Sons, Inc..
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Staff of J.S. Kyker & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. J.S. Kyker & Sons, Inc.
March 18, 2025
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Kyker Funeral Homes - Sweetwater113 W North St P.O. Box 309, Sweetwater, TN 37874
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