Wendell Jerry Lee, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Ellisville, Mississippi, on March 11, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born on June 30, 1940, in Tattnall County, Georgia.

Mr. Lee made his home in Ellisville beginning in the 1980s, where he became a member of the community. He dedicated over 20 years of his career as a Construction Foreman with JCPenney, traveling throughout the southeastern United States, as well as Puerto Rico and Mexico, overseeing the construction, renovation, and demolition of stores.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hurshel and Molley Lee, who lovingly raised him; his beloved wife, Pauline Lee; his sisters, Frankie, Lila, Patricia Ann, and Barbara Ann; and his stepsons, Marty Smith and Craig Smith.

Mr. Lee is survived by his sons, Wendell Jerry Lee Jr. (Tonya Lee) of Waco, Texas, and Jeffery Lee (Hilary Lee) of Gilbert, Arizona; his stepson, Bart Smith of Mozel, Mississippi; and his brother, Ed Lee of Rincon, Georgia. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren — Ashley, Amber, Chance, MacKenzie, Megan, Haylee, Austin, Nathan, Ethan, and Dylan — as well as five great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Pilgrim Church Cemetery, 1837 Augusta Road, Ellisville, Mississippi 39437. The service will be officiated by Father Tomasz Powronzik of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.