Raymond D Lee

Raymond DeCarol Lee was born on March 18th,1945, to the late Preston and Annie Osborne Lee; he departed this life on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and loving family.

During his early years, Raymond was first educated in the Ridley Township School District, and then after moving to Chester, Pennsylvania, he attended Chester/Upland School District. After Raymond graduated from Chester High School, he gave his life to Christ, along with a few of his older siblings, and became a member of First Baptist Church of Woodlyn, PA.

Before his draft into the military, Raymond held many positions of work, such as Skelly’s of Marcus Hook, Pa., and working alongside his older brother Preston in his Downtown Fish Market. While in the military, anytime Raymond came home on leave, he always stopped in to give his brother a hand. As a teen, Raymond was attentive to his younger sister, Frances; they were best friends. As Raymond did his stints in the military, his sister Frances would keep him updated on family news so he would not miss out on anything happening with his family. Raymond has always been one to help others. He started his own Boy Scout Troop at 16 years old, going from house to house, gathering the young boys in his neighborhood.

In September of 1969, Raymond became a father for the first time to Stacy Reynolds Moten. Years later, he adopted a baby daughter, Angleia Y. Colbath, whom he named Annie Lee after his mother. During his service in the military, he met Signora, and their loving union was forged on February 28, 1983. They would have celebrated their 41st anniversary this year. During this union, he became a father to Mario Duncan and Dr. Toni C. Pruitt.

Raymond’s first draft into the Army was in May 1966, when he fought in the Vietnam War. Upon his release from military service in May of 1968, he was drafted a second time in January 1970, where he completed 22 years of active service. While serving his country, he held various positions, including Cavalry Scout, Armor Crewman/Abrams Tank Commander, Criminal Investigation Division, and Military Police Officer. Upon retirement, he was awarded his second Army Commendation Medal. After retiring from military service, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology from Central Texas College. As an avid gardener, he became a local business owner of Lee’s Yard and Garden. Raymond was a pillar in his community. He held multiple positions in the City of Copperas Cove, including Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce member, groundskeeper for Copperas Cove High School, youth mentor, and the “Keep Cove Beautiful” project with the City of Copperas Cove. Raymond received Federal Time Served through his military service, allowing him to retire from the City of Copperas Cove as Supervisor of the Parks and Recreation Department and from General Dynamics. During his tenure at General Dynamics, he proudly supported Operation Enduring Freedom as an expert Abrams Tank Maintainer until his retirement. Raymond appreciated and loved nature, refurbished furniture, built structures, and other projects, and grew lovely flowers and plants in his garden. He received and sold beautiful refurbished antique items through his storefront at the local Flea Market. He was an avid collector of coins, baseball cards, stamps, and comic books. During Raymond’s final years, his hobbies included fishing on his boat when he could, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and bingo nights with his wife.

Raymond was a dedicated father of four children, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He valued protecting and providing for his family and was a father figure to anyone in his presence. He was quiet but quite the conversationalist when reflecting on his time in the Vietnam War or, more often, the old Soldier stories, childhood adventures, loving memories of himself and his wife, and his future dreams. He was always full of energy and loved to stay busy throughout his life. In his final days, he made valiant attempts to stay active despite physical challenges and illness. He was a generous man who would give his last to anyone in need. During his retirement, he enjoyed quiet time at home, resting and watching his favorite Cowboy movies. He enjoyed good food and was a fond cook throughout his life. He loved his pets, including his favorite, a Conure “bird” he named Rainbow.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Signora Lee; Children: Stacy Reynolds-Moten (Ronald L Moten, Deceased), Angleia Y. Colbath, Mario Duncan (Yolanda Duncan), and Dr. Toni C. Pruitt (Ali JD Pruitt); Grandchildren: Kwaniqua Williams (Chrissy Williams), Raekwon Moten, Dante Moten, DeSean Raymond M. Lee, Angleia Z. Johnson, Angelus K. Colbath, Amira I. Bryant, Thai E. Brooks (Private First Class, Donald Brooks), and James D. Bryant II; Great-grandchildren: Dasani Williams, Duwayne Williams, DaRell Williams, Ocean X-Brooks, and Zaire X-Brooks; And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sisters: Patricia Weathers Leake of Folsom, PA, and Frances Preston (Larry Preston) of Wilmington, DE; Brother: Jesse Lee (Christine Lee) of Egg Harbor, NJ.

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father; Annie and Preston Lee Sr.; Sisters: Dora Smith, Delores Lewis, and Thelma M. Freeman; Brothers: Preston Lee Jr., Willie (Bunk) Lee Sr., Louis Jerry (Mook) Lee, Joseph (Nathan) Lee, John Alfred Lee, Ellis (Slim) Lee.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Crawford Bowers Funeral Home of Copperas Cove, Texas. Interment will be in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on February 26. 2024 at 2:00 PM where he will be receiving Full Military Honors.