Terry M Lee

Terry M. Lee, 79, of Smackover, Arkansas, passed away April 30, 2023, after a long illness. Terry was born August 23, 1943, in Old Town, Maine. His family moved to Arkadelphia, AR, when he was a baby. While he moved around the south for education and work, his heart was always in Arkansas.

Survivors include Terry’s beloved wife of 55 years, Carolyn, a son, T. David Lee (Jennifer), a daughter, Dawn Lovell (Robert), and his great joys - grandchildren Laura Lovell, Emma Lovell, Jackson Lee, and Kate Lee. Terry is also survived by his sister and partner in laughter, Connie Garrett, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Preceding Terry in death were his mother, Florence Lee, father, William Lee, sister, Hope Kingrey, and brother, Bruce Lee.

Terry worked his way through college with multiple jobs and ROTC. He was called to active duty in Vietnam, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, with the latter commendation noting his numerous reconnaissance missions and tireless dedication to his unit. He was proud of his men, never talking about himself until his grandchildren started asking questions. His service in Vietnam caused lifelong health issues, but his patriotism and love of country never wavered.

Terry received a B.S.E. from Henderson State University, an M.Ed. in Recreation and Parks Administration from the University of Arkansas, and an Ed. D. from the University of Georgia. He taught Parks and Recreation Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi, Murray State University, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After his father-in-law passed away, Terry and family moved to Smackover, AR, where he managed the family oil business until retirement.

Terry loved his church, First United Methodist Church of Smackover, and gave many years of service to it, including as Administrative Board president and youth volunteer, chaperoning many memorable summer trips. Despite multiple attempts, the boys never managed to throw him in the pool!

Terry believed deeply in public education, serving on the Smackover school board for years, including as president. He was the 1992 Arkansas School Boards Association Region 13 Outstanding School Board Member. He was president of the band parents’ organization prior to that, and worked the concession stand at many high school football games.

Terry was an avid Razorback fan and also loved his Georgia Bulldogs. He loved to play golf, hunt, and spend time with friends and family. He enjoyed the Friday morning coffee crew, his friends at Pine Hills, visits at Smackover Pump Shop, breakfast at Sumac, and Sunday morning visits at Don’s Grocery. He missed those when his health and the pandemic kept him home but had many fond memories. Most of all, Terry loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who all knew that Grampy was their biggest supporter and would do anything for them.

Visitation will be at 9am Saturday, May 6, at First United Methodist Church of Smackover. The service will follow at 10am, with a private graveside service immediately after at Liberty Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church of Smackover (smackoverfumc.org) or Goodness Village (goodnessvillage.org). The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Goodness Village for a welcoming home away from home during Terry’s cancer treatment in 2020 and his recent illness.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com