Lee A. Crayton Jr.

Lee Andrew Crayton, Jr., of Macon, passed away this past Sunday morning, September 13, 2015. Lee was born on August 15, 1923 in Concord, North Carolina to the late Lemma and Lee A. Crayton, Sr. He graduated from Concord High School in June, 1941 as valedictorian of his senior class.

Lee enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in December, 1941 and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant of a crew chief on the P-38 and the B-29 during World War II.

Following his discharge in 1945, Lee entered North Carolina State University on the G.I. Bill where he majored in textile engineering. During his college career, he was inducted into several scholastic fraternities including Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Tau Sigma, and Phi Eta Sigma. He was also presented the Gold Medal Award for the highest grade point average in the senior class of 1950.

Lee retired after a thirty-five year career which included Cannon Millis, J.P. Stevens, Dixie Yarns, The Bibb Company, and Boeing Aircraft. He was also active in many community organizations and boards from the Exchange Club, Lions Club, and American Cancer Society, to the American Heart Association, the United Way, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was also a member of Idle Hour Country Club and Vineville United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Board.

Along with his wife Carolyn, Lee traveled extensively throughout the world on behalf of the City of Macon-Bibb and the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Lee, himself, was a community treasure, known for his kindness, unselfish disposition, and devotion to family and friends and his faith. One of his fondest memories was receiving an honorary “knighthood” from his friend and mentor, the late Gordon, Lord Parry of Wales.

Lee is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carolyn Mullis Crayton; his children, Douglas Lee Crayton (Maggie) and Annette Crayton Mengert (George); his grandchildren, Lance Crayton (Regina), Caroline Kulinski (Chris), Van Clements, Anna Lee Crayton and Heather Talley; and his great-granddaughters, Leanna and Emily Crayton and Sabrina Kulinski.

Memorial services will be held at Vineville United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 15 at 11 a.m. with Dr. Jimmy Asbell officiating. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA 31204 or National MS Society, Georgia Chapter, 950 East Paces Ferry Road, NE, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30326.

A special thank you to Lee’s caregivers, Mary Chambliss, Izola Harden, and Sandra Howard.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.