Walter E. Lee

Walter Ervin Lee was born on Christmas Eve, 1932, to his parents Ervin and Callie Mae Lee, in Brewton, Alabama. He was the oldest of nine children and often stated that he was glad he was the oldest because he got take the first bath. After graduating from Southern Normal High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he served for 10 years, including seeing combat in the Korean War. While serving, Walter met and married the love of his life, Billie, on February 21st, 1960. They were blessed with their first child, son Adrian, in July of 1961. After being told they could not have any more children, they decided to adopt a little girl. However, they were quite surprised to learn that the doctors were wrong and God had another plan. Their second child, Angela Therese was born in February 1968. Walter received his Bachelors Degree from El Camino College. He was an electrician by trade and worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard in Long Beach, California for 30 years. Walter was elected President of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for many years until his retirement in 1988. He served as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the Lomita, CA Kiwanis Club and he was active in the Harbor City VFW. But retirement was "too boring," so he went back to work as head of Security for UPS at Ontario Airport in California. After failing miserably at retirement, Walter and Billie moved to Bend in 2007 to be closer to their daughter. Walter loved to fish, golf, play pinochle, and blackjack. He had a smile for everyone he met and a great deal of wisdom to share. Walter joins his wife Billie, son Adrian, his parents, sisters Earlene, Corrine and Callie Mae, brothers Jim, Frank, and Jesse. Walter leaves behind a very large family and many friends: Daughter Angela Lee-Mandlin and son-law Kevin Mandlin of Bend, Granddaughter Bo Lee of Seattle, WA, Grandson Gene Lee of Seattle, WA, brother Dr. Joe Lee (Margie) of Jupiter, FL, brother the Reverend Paul Lee of Brewton, AL (Jerrie). Walter leaves more nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives than you can shake a stick at. Walter also leaves behind a host of friends who were there whenever they were needed: Amy McCoy, Pam Williams, Angel and Lucky Lotito, and Kristy Wilson to name a few. Walter will be greatly missed, but we thank God that he is at rest. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 4th at 10:30 AM at Historic St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

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Walter E. Lee

December 24, 1932 - July 31, 2017