Ernest Clifton Lee, Sr.'s Obituary
Ernest Clifton Lee Sr., 74, of Panama City Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. A native of Memphis, TN, he graduated from Treadwell High School in 1954. Mr. Lee was also a former Deacon of Highland Heights Presbyterian Church. Ernest had been a resident of Panama City Beach since 1997. Though retired for quite a while, he enjoyed the time he spent helping his sons in their popular club, Sweet Dreams. He became affectionately known by the patrons and staff as “Big Daddy.” Before moving to Panama City Beach, Ernest lived for some time in Clarksdale, Miss., where he was a top salesman for Proctor & Gamble. During that time, he served as a deacon and then as an elder at First Presbyterian Church. He also spent several of his adult years in Beaumont, Texas, where he had an interest in and managed several Sonic Drive-In restaurants. Wherever he lived, he quickly made friends and always was known for his caring manner and sense of humor. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Doris Lee; and two brothers, William and Denton Lee, all of Memphis. He is survived by two sons, Ernest Lee Jr. and wife, Rae, and James Kevin Lee and wife, Debbie; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, sister, Sandra Lee Bishop; two brothers, Glen Howard and Walter Thompson Lee; and many nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Ernie.” He will be missed by his loving caregiver, Paula, and childhood friends, Gillie C. Lewis and Herbert Young. The family will receive friend and family 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 5, also at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Ernest?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ernest?
Share a story where Ernest's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ernest you’ll never forget.
How did Ernest make you smile?