Herman Lee

1954 - 2020

Herman Miller Lee, is affectionately known as “Butch”.
Butch passed away suddenly on December 11, 2020 while at home with his
beloved wife, LaShon in Roanoke, Virginia. He was born on September 16,
1954 to the late Bessie Mae Jones Smith. He was preceded also in death
by his brother, Alfred Lee and sister, Margret Bannister. Butch was
educated in the Roanoke City public schools where he ran track and field.
Butch became a proud Seaman in the US. Navy in February 1979. He
worked his way up the ranks and became an E-5 Petty Officer. As a US
Navy Aviation Mechanic, he repaired helicopters and airplanes. He
traveled the world during his military service aboard the naval aircraft
carrier named the USS Enterprise. Butch was stationed in several national
and international locations. He often spoke of how he loved Sicily Italy. He
was always happy to return to the states where he was stationed in Maine
and in Norfolk Virginia. After 20 years of honorable military service Butch
retired in March 1999. Butch worked various jobs and for the last five years
he was an employee of the Salem Food Pantry.
Butch was a kind and respectful person who was also highly respected. He
had traveled and explored the world, yet he still appreciated the beauty of
small gestures and the simple things in life such as relaxing in his backyard
in front of the fire pit on a cool evening, spending time with his wife, children,
siblings, grands, great grands and other family members. He had fun grilling,
and entertaining family and friends. He loved a good football game
especially if his favorite team was playing. Everyone knows that he was
strictly a die-hard Chicago Bears fan.
Herman Miller Lee, aka “Butch” is survived by his loving wife - his
sweetheart, LaShon Lee; his son, David Matthews; daughter, Deanna
(Darrell) Matthews Johnson both of Norfolk, VA; stepdaughters; Ebony
(Keith) Smith of Columbus, OH; Tiffany Johnson; Imani Shaw, and stepson,
Albert Shaw Jr. all of Roanoke, VA; stepfather, Ray Smith of Winston-Salem
NC; siblings, Robert Bernard Lee of Roanoke VA; Donna (Theo) Farrar of
Kernersville NC; James (Dawn) Tinsley of Montgomery AL; Cynthia Frazier
of Winston Salem NC; Frances Smith of Roanoke VA; 20 grandchildren, 10
great-grandchildren and a host of other dear relatives and friends.