Lennis Ray Lee

Newton Grove, NC: Mr. Lennis Ray Lee, age 80, of Alonzo Road, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Services will be held-11:00 AM Monday, April 29, 2023 at Unity Presbyterian Church in Newton Grove. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson. 

Lennis Ray Lee was born on June 16th, 1943 in Johnston County to the late Delma and Mattie McLamb. Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his brother, J. E. Lee, and sister, Libbie Lee Medlin.

Lennis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Barefoot Lee; son Jody and wife, Linda Lee; daughters Stephanie and husband, Ronnie Moore, Matti and husband, Russ McLamb, and Sara and husband, Michael Cook; grandsons Canyon and wife Emily Lee, Bryson Moore, Maddox and Mason McLamb, Hawk and Garrett Strickland; granddaughters Kennedy and husband Isaac Bell, Cheryl Lynn and Gracie Moore, Maci McLamb, and Sawyer Cook; and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins.

After graduating from Benson High School in 1961, Lennis went on to work as a drywall contractor and married the love of his life, Judy in 1964. In 1965, Lennis joined the army, serving in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, later flying in Alaska during the pipeline construction, and then on to Arizona flying helicopters for major powerline construction. Lennis and Judy moved back to NC where he farmed for several years until the joy of flying drew him to the Gulf of Mexico to fly helicopters for Air Logistics until retirement, in 2008.

During his time serving in Vietnam, Lennis was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross of Valor, The Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. At the invitation of the joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, he returned to Vietnam in 2015 and 2016 to search for the remains of his crew chief and other 282 AHC personnel.

 Lennis lived a fruitful life, enjoying his wife, children, grandchildren, and many beloved friends and family. He enjoyed spending time and traveling with his wife. He loved going to 282nd ASLT HEL Co. Black Cats reunions and conversing with fellow heroes. He lived out his faith as a devoted husband, dedicated father, and a loving grandfather, whose legacy will be carried on for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church at 11551 NC-50, Newton Grove, NC 28366.