Percy Yates Lee

Percy Yates Lee of Clayton left his earthly body on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the age of 83, surrounded by family. He is now reunited with his loving wife, Joyce Creech Lee, and resting in the arms of Jesus with no more pain and suffering.

In 1959, at the age of 19, Percy met his soul mate and love of his life. Percy and Joyce were married on August 30, 1960, and shared 60 years of love and devotion. Percy was a loving husband to Joyce, father to Deborah and Scott, Papa to his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren and brother to his siblings. His family filled his life with joy, and he cherished spending time with them.

Percy was born to T.R. and Lena Lee on their family farm in Clayton on June 25, 1940. He worked on the farm until T.R. Lee family oil and gas business was established by his father. There he devoted his life and loved working with his brothers until his health no longer allowed. In more recent years, Percy spent as much time as possible at the store visiting with family and the many friends he made there over the years. In addition to working at the gas business, he enjoyed working alongside his brothers developing land through Lee Brothers and investing in real estate. Percy was honored to be member of the Four Oaks Bank Board of Directors from 1986-2014 where he also met many lifelong friends. He and Joyce were long standing and devoted members of First Baptist Church. They loved spending time at their house at Atlantic Beach, traveling, and eating out with their family and friends. Percy was a hardworking man, instilling the quality of work ethic in his children. He loved to visit and joke with everyone around. He also had a big heart and was always willing to help those who needed him.

Percy is survived by daughter, Deborah Lee Coats and husband, Kenneth; son, Scott Lee and wife, Laura. He was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren: Tyler Coats (Megan), Kendra Coats Deans (Richard), Kaitlyn Coats Millard (Kris), Brandon Lee (Kyle), Kelsey Lee Hyman (David), and Mackenzie Lee; great grandchildren: Kamdon, Kolten, Kaison, Kordyn, Dean, Waylon, Michael, Charlotte, Kreclee, Koen, and Kennedy arriving on November7th; step great grandchildren: Kyleigh, Jaxson and Hunter. Percy is also survived by one sister, Joyce Lee Blackley; and three brothers, George Lee (Susan), Fred Lee (Texie), Hubert Lee (Bonnie); sisters-in-law, Nola Wayne Lee, Shirley Lee, Peggy Lee, Jean Lee, and Jo Ann Dupree; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lena Faison Lee, father, TR Lee, brothers, Ray Lee, Proctor Lee, Ernest Lee, Troy Lee, Raymond Lee, and Ricky Lee; brothers-in-law, Ernest Blackley and Donnie Dupree; and sister-in-law, Cathie Lee.

A service to celebrate Percy’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Clayton, NC with Reverend Luke Long officiating. Interment will follow the services at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday evening, November 5th at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Hwy West, Clayton, NC 27520.

Percy’s family would like to thank the many caregivers, family members and friends who helped him maintain the ability to remain at his home during his declining health.

While flowers are welcomed, the family has also designated memorial contributions to First Baptist Church at P.O. Box 35, Clayton, NC 27528 and to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829 Arlington, VA 22215. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Lee family may be entered below within the "add a memory" tab.