Gary Robert Lee

Early Thursday, December 10, 2020, Gary Robert Lee of Burton, Texas went home to be with the Lord. Gary was born February 11, 1948 in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Gary grew up in Fairfield, Illinois with his parents, June and Ray Lee, and brothers, Terry and Bob. He graduated from Fairfield Community High School in 1966. Gary attended Shriner Institute in Kerrville, Texas, on a basketball scholarship and received an Associate in Arts degree in 1968. He went on to attend Athens College in Alabama where he continued playing basketball while earning his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970.

Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after graduation. He served two years in Okinawa, Japan with the Explosive Ordinance Division.

After serving, Gary began working for an Engineering company as a draftsman where he continued on and had a very successful career as a Civil Engineer that spanned 36 years in the Houston area. Since retiring in 2016, Gary and Vicki live in Burton, Texas and attend Greenvine Baptist Church.

Gary was known for his love of life, storytelling and huge generosity. He had a passion for gardening, hunting, playing softball and volleyball with his buddies. Gary was a dear friend to many as he never met a stranger. Lifelong friend, Denny Patridge recalls, “Gary always had a smile on his face and the uncanny ability to find happiness in whatever he was up to.” He was a great “Pappy” to his step grandchildren, who will cherish memories of his campfire songs and stories, and his love of competing, as he never missed their games and performances. Upon hearing of Gary’s passing, a close friend commented, “The Heavenly Angels Softball team just got a number one draft pick.” Gary will truly be missed by many.

Gary is survived by his wife, Vicki of 24 years; stepdaughter, Sherri (Ken) Johnson of Katy, Texas; stepson, Tim Merritt of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Stephan, Logan, Kale, Aden and Carly; sibling, Bob Lee, (Judy) of El Reno, Oklahoma, and nephews, Jeremy and Jeff; sister-in-law Gayla Lee, nephews and niece, Terry II, Marty, Kerrie; numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Chester and Alma Dye and paternal grandparents, Edmond and Nancy Lee and parents, June and Ray Lee and brother, Terry Lee.

Due to social distancing precautions, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be made to Fairfield Community High School Athletics c/o Christy Horning at Carnaby Square, 115 E. Main St., Fairfield, IL 62837 or Maple Hill Veterans Cemetery, 109 Southeast 9th St., Fairfield, IL 62837.