Benis Glen Lee, 86, of Orange, passed away on October 18, 2020, in Beaumont.
Benis was born in San Augustine, Texas, on November 23, 1933, the son of Johnnie Wesley Lee and Nona Belle (Graves) Lee. He graduated from Brownsville High School and attended the University of Texas where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a major in finance, and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. It was here where he met his loving wife, Paula Green, whom he married in 1955.
After graduating, Benis served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserves and later attended Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. He worked for Ford Motor Credit Company in Houston and Beaumont prior to moving to Orange to start his banking career where he served as an Executive Vice President of First City National Bank and Orange Bank. In 1978, he partnered with John Smith, to acquire Smith-Lee Cadillac Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC dealership and assumed the role of owner and general manager for the next 20 years before his retirement in 1998. During this time, he was an active member of the Rotary Club, Sunset Grove Country Club, the Greater Orange Area Economic Development Corporation, the Orange Yacht Club, the Orange County Board of Realtors, and the Orange Pony Colt League. He loved being a part of the Orange business community, but he was most passionate about his family, his horses and his garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Nona Belle Lee, his wife, Paula Lee, and sister, Maudie Dixon. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Dr. Jonathan Lee and wife Jennifer, Dr. Paul Lee and wife Beth, and Stephen Lee and wife Jami; and grandchildren, Christy Lee, Ben Lee and wife Erica, Austin Lee and wife Bridgett, Adam Lee, Mitchell Lee, and Michael Lee.
His family is especially grateful to the staff of Brookdale Dowlen Oaks, Emily Blanchard, RN, and Angela Tezeno, LVN, of Best Hospice and caregiver Dee Dee Walsh for their excellent care and kindness during his final years.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Private burial will follow services. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Christy Lee, Ben Lee, Austin Lee, Adam Lee, Mitchell Lee and Michael Lee.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A tribute to Benis can be found on the organization’s website at
www.alz.org
.
Condolences
Charlotte Lee
October 23, 2020
Benis Lee was a man you had to love .I looked up to him like a father figure, we had a lot of fine times. The best times was when he had horses we would go together or he let me go in his place I loved that winner’s circle. I have so many memories in my heart he was the kindest man and most loving. My heart hurts for his boys ( men) and grandkids y’all are in my prayers. Love. Charlotte Dixon Lee. ( funny I married a Lee )
Linda Baker
October 22, 2020
Uncle Benis was absolutely the best uncle a niece could have. I could always visit him, or pick up the phone for his advise. He was such a blessing to me and I will treasure my time with him.
Uncle Benis loved his boys and adored his grandchildren!! We all have our memories :heart: My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone on you.
Love,
Linda Baker
Anonymous
October 22, 2020
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Benis Glen Lee.
Mary Elizabeth Kirkwood
October 22, 2020
Jon & Jennifer, Paul & Beth, Stephen & Jami, so sadden to hear about Benis. Remembering all the times we all spent together over the years. May all your loving memories of your Dad live forever in your hearts. The girls and I wish we could be there for his service however, we have a trip planned to the hill country to celebrate Elizabeth’s #50 Birthday. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your precious families. Much love, Mary
Stephany Tarter
October 22, 2020
Your father was a great man. Stephany
Claybar Funeral Home
October 22, 2020
104 files added to the album LifeTributes
Anonymous
October 21, 2020
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Benis Glen Lee.
Anonymous
October 21, 2020
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of Benis Glen Lee.
James & Nancy Rice
October 21, 2020
Dear Stephen, Paul, and Jonathan, You'll were like family to us when we were neighbours. Benis was a caring farther who raised three outstanding young men.We wish we could be with you now, but health problems make it impossible Your family will always be remembered with love. The Rice's
Scott Dueser, Ron Butler, Marelyn Shedd
October 21, 2020
Scott Dueser, Ron Butler, Marelyn Shedd purchased the Basket of Memories for the family of Benis Glen Lee.
Annie David Koehler
October 20, 2020
Paul, Jonathan, Stephen, and your families, I am so sorry for your loss. There was no one like Daddy Beno! I remember one time in high school he showed up at your house with this huge Motor Home and invited all of us kids to pile in and drove us around town. That and the fact that he loved Bluebell Butter Pecan ice cream if I remember correctly! I will remember you all in my prayers.