Leighton B. Lee

Funeral services for Leighton B. Lee, 93, of Lufkin will be held Monday, February 13, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Doyle Bruce and Bobby South officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mr. Lee was born October 16, 1923 in Bleakwood, Texas to the late Bertha (Bayard) and Joshua Harris Lee, and went to be with the Lord Friday, February 10, 2017.

Mr. Lee attended Texas A&M University where he graduated in 1951. Mr. Lee was awarded the 1st Finance degree from Texas A&M University. Mr. Lee bled maroon and enjoyed supporting the Aggies. After graduation, he married Charlsie Ruth (Hancock) Lee October 16, 1952. They had two children, Linda Dianne and Leighton Keith. Leighton and Charlsie had been married for 50 years when Charlsie passed away January 30, 2003.

Mr. Lee and his family moved to Diboll, Texas in 1965 where he purchased Powell’s Grocery Store and renamed it Lee’s Food Center. He and his wife operated the store, often working 7 days a week, 14 hours a day. Lee’s Food Center closed in 1976. Mr. Lee then began a career as a probation officer for the Angelina County Department of Community Supervision and Corrections. He retired January 1, 1997 after 17 years of service. In his retirement, he spent his days sitting on the front porch or could be seen walking 2 miles at the Lufkin Mall every day.

Mr. Lee was a family man and took great pride in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He supported them, celebrating all of their achievements throughout life. Mr. Lee attended Angelina Church of Christ. He was a devout Christian who lived by the Word and was a testament to all.

Leighton was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlsie Ruth (Hancock) Lee; sister, Dolly Smith; and brother, William B. Lee.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Randy Whitfield of Rowlett, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Sandra Lee of Hudson, Texas; grandchildren, Cody and Maggie Lee, Stephanie and Jonathan Durham of Lufkin, Texas, Allison and Evan Autry of Wylie, Texas, and Conner Whitfield, of College Station, Texas; great-grandchildren, Gunnar Durham, Max Durham, Tucker Lee, and Heidi Autry; sister, Betty Dilthey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Cody Lee, Jonathan Durham, Conner Whitfield, Evan Autry, Trey Moore, and Wade Moore.

Memorials may be made to Angelina Church of Christ, 2213 Tulane Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

The family will welcome friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.