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BORN
1929
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Charles Lee Obituary
FOUR OAKS - Charles Ray Lee, 87, died Friday, June 2, 2017 in San Antonio, TX. Born September 8, 1929 in Johnston County, he was a son of the late Judson Kelly and Ella Lee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Dunn Lee; and grandson, Temple Charles Lee.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017 in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home, with Mr. Don Lassiter officiating. This will be A Celebration of Life service, and the family requests that you join them in sharing special memories and stories of "The General" during the service. The family will receive friends following the service.
Charles Ray "General" Lee was a kind and generous man who loved his family and friends beyond all else. His passion was conservation; especially wildlife conservation. Although he was a member of many local conservation groups, his heart was always in Ducks Unlimited and he actively served the organization for over 50 years. General was a charter member of the Johnston County Chapter, founded in 1971. He held many positions at the local and state level and always "did it for the ducks." In 2011, he was one of the first inductees of the Johnston County Ducks Unlimited Hall of Fame. He was inducted into NC Ducks Unlimited's Lead Drake Society in 2015. Further, he served as Trustee Emeritus and was a Life Sponsor in the National Ducks Unlimited Organization. He was also a Mason, and served as a Master of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge.
General started out as a tenant farmer. He left farming for the "Pots and Pans" business as a traveling salesman. He and Eunice co-hosted cookware parties across much of the eastern half the state. In 1957, he was awarded "Top Salesman of the Month" by West Bend Aluminum Company. Desiring to spend more time with family, he became a tire salesman at Hunt General Tire Company in Raleigh, where he became lifetime friends with Buford and Dema Hunt. He eventually opened General Lee's Tire Care in Smithfield in the early 1960's and remained there until 1987. After his retirement, he began selling art and custom framing as General Lee's Art and Frame Shop, which he continued until his death.
Surviving are his son, Charles Ray Lee, Jr. and wife Belinda of Greenville; sister, Shirley Lee and husband W.C. of Benson; brother, Kelly Lee of Four Oaks; and grandson, Jay Lee of Raleigh.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Temple Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund, Pitt County Educational Foundation, 1717 W. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27834 or to a local wildlife conservation group of one's choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
As published in The Daily Reflector
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Lee
Michael Cochran
January 16, 2018
I met General Lee in the late 80's at the South Eastern Wildlife Expo in Charleston, SC. I am proud to say that The General has been a friend since. He has supplied me with framed prints from his shop and would even deliver them to SC. I am sadden to just find out about my friend. Debbie and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to his family.
Georgia Wilson Pope
June 22, 2017
The family of Roger and Alice Wilson send their thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Rebecca Edgerton
June 17, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for your family. General Lee was a sweet, kind soul. He will truly be missed.
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June 15, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of General Lee. He was a kind and generous friend and donated many prints to the DU Band the Billfish tournament. We know that he is in the arms of God and with his beloved Eunice now. RIP, General
Love
Bob and Cathy Lichauer
June 15, 2017
Charles, Belinda and Jay
I am so sorry you are in the midst of this most sad and difficult time. Do know I and all your many, many friends ache with you and wish you speed and comfort as you recover. Hope you see you soon. Love, Sylvene
Chris Styron
June 14, 2017
The General...the man, the myth, the legend. Spending so much of my teen years and after hanging out with Temple & Jay, I had the pleasure of occasionally hanging out with the General. When he spoke with people he had the unique ability to make it seem like they were the most important thing in his life at that moment. He will be missed by many. May everyone take solace in knowing that him and Temple are rocking it out in heaven.
Danny Squires
June 14, 2017
Charles and Belinda. Very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have very fond memories of he and your mom from years ago. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Browning
June 14, 2017
Sending our love and prayer's to the family. General Lee was a close friend and neighbor to my mom and dad, The Tarkington's. We would see him take his daily walk and stop by to check on us occasionally. He always had a smile and such encouraging words to say. A man to be proud of! We would see him at the Cracker Barrel nearly every time mom and I had lunch there. He would suprise us by paying the bill. Such a true gentleman. He has been missed by all of us.
Richard Tucker
June 14, 2017
To Charles, Jr. & Family.....I am so sorry for your loss. General Lee was a kind and good man ! The ducks will miss him.
Keanan Larsen
June 13, 2017
General Lee was one of my favorite customers to see every weekend. He brought a light into Cracker Barrel that would make all the bad go away. Just seeing his name on the wait list would bring a smile to my face. He will be great missed.
Lynda Parrish
June 13, 2017
A bright light has left this world only to shine brighter in Heaven. He will be missed by many.
Jack Austin, Jr.
June 12, 2017
To those left behind: Just think of the good times. He was a very nice man, well liked and deserving.
Tootsie Holloman
June 12, 2017
Thinking about you during this sad time.
Shontel Mcclearn
June 12, 2017
You were such a wonderful man thank you for coming into cracker barrel and making my days and im very glad i got to meet you over my four years working there you will be very missed
Taeya Moloney
June 10, 2017
Every time he'd walk into the store he'd bring a smile to everyone . I would stand at the host stand and he'd walk in with a smile on his face . He'd always have gental warm hugs and ask me how my day was . Great conversations with him and never a dull moment . He will be greatly missed and may he RIP . Prayers are out to all those who are affected .
Brianna Moloney
June 9, 2017
General Lee always made my bad days better. Serving him at Cracker Barrel was always the highlight of my days. I'm so sorry for your loss, and his kind souls will be greatly missed!
Hailey Morgan
June 9, 2017
He was a wonderful man, who lit everyone's day right up! He would come in to Cracker Barrel in Smithfield almost every weekend and he would just light up the host team. Thank you so much for that.
D S
June 9, 2017
After a very full life of 87 years, Charles has entered into his final resting place of peace. May you find comfort by reflecting on the wonderful memories that you shared together. -Psalm 90:10
Jayden
June 8, 2017
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With heartfelt sympathy.
Veronica Lee
June 8, 2017
Once he came to our office and I told him we had not seen him in a while and I asked him how he was doing. He said he hadn't been out much because he just couldn't get over his wife passing away and that he was always sad. It broke my heart. He was the sweetest sincerest man I have ever met. He always asked about my family and remembered their names. The news of his passing once again broke my heart. He was dearly loved and he will be dearly missed.-LOVE-Veronica Lee
June 8, 2017
ALWAYS SPOKE OF FAMILY AND HIS LOVE OF NATURE. WILL MISS YOU DEAR FRIEND. ENJOY THE SUNSETS WITH THE LORD. SINCERELY JIM UZZLE
Ramona Aragon
June 5, 2017
I often saw General Lee during his morning walks at Holt's Lake, where he always carried a long stick for protection if needed. His late wife, Ms. Eunice, (as he referred to her) never left his side. I could feel Ms. Eunice's spirit with him as he often and always spoke so proudly and lovingly of her. He also kept her Celebration of Life program on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. He lamented for Ms. Eunice beyond measure. Theirs was the kind of love that Nicholas Sparks writes novels about. I can see General Lee and Ms. Eunice reunited now and reminiscing about those many years of beautiful sunsets they shared together at their beloved lake home. I will greatly miss General Lee, a very fine gentleman. Charles, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. I pray the love of family and friends will comfort all of you during this difficult time.
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