Robert Lee, 88, of Vidor, Tx passed away on April 18, 2025, at his home while surrounded by his wife and loved ones.
Robert was born in Mobile, Al, on February 26, 1937, to William T. Lee and Ninnie Waltman Lee. Robert was a retired harbor tugboat captain for Moran Towing of Port Arthur, Tx. If you knew Robert, you knew that he was proud of his career, and he talked about his time on the boat until the very end. Even when he had time off the boat, he still loved to be on the water catching shrimp. He also served as a mentor to many of his coworkers through the years.
Robert spent his early years in Alabama, then later moved to Sabine Pass, Tx with his family in the 1940s. Robert was an entertainer and storyteller. His friends and family loved listening to his old stories of the time he spent in the marshes hunting, fishing, crabbing, and frogging. Some of his daughters’ and grandkids’ favorite memories with him were getting to skip school and go crabbing with their Dad, or Pawpaw Lee. Robert also enjoyed shuffleboard, watching football, gardening, and listening to old country and gospel music.
Robert, with his strong working hands, along with the help of his family and friends, built a home in Vidor, Tx, that he was extremely proud of. Over the years he would often sit at his kitchen table and sing country music with his family or cut sugarcane on the back porch for his grandkids to eat.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents W.T. and Ninnie Lee, his son Robert Charles, grandson Scott Bohanon III, five sisters: Frances (Sis) Falcon, infant sister Virginia, Viola Cole, Lillie Mae Lee, and Dotsie Robbins, and six brothers: Augury (Bill), Elijah, Jessie, R.T., Aaron, and Morris Taylor, Jr.
Those left behind to cherish Robert’s memory are his devoted and loving wife of 54 years, Janie Riley Lee, daughters: Mandy Kane (Frank); Brandy Wilhelm (Claude); Sherry Simmons (Dave); and stepdaughter Robin Schaffer. His grandchildren, Brent, Brooke, and Lance Wilhelm, Robert Daigle III (Kelly), Dustin Daigle (Laura), Harlee Simmons, Gracie Simmons, Trevor and Lindsey Schaffer, Krystal Nezat, Angela Reid, and Blake Reid. Robert also has 21 great grandchildren. Two sisters, Beatrice Welborn and Flora Mae Mathis. Two brothers, William and Brady Lee. Robert also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 04, 2025, at the home of Claude and Brandy Wilhelm in Mauriceville, Texas. Family and friends will be contacted with details.