Howard Cecil Lee Jr.

Howard Cecil Lee, Jr., 75, passed from this world surrounded by his family on the 14th of May 2015, after a six year battle with multiple myeloma. He was born the 3rd of September 1939 in Houston, Texas to Howard Lee, Sr. and Molly Lee.

Howard graduated from Houston Lamar High School in 1957, Baylor University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Laws and Juris Doctorate degrees. While at Baylor, Howard followed in his father’s footsteps, lettering as a pitcher for the Baylor Baseball team. It was also at Baylor that Howard met and married the love of his life and soul mate of 46 years, Patty Cobb Lee. He remained a loyal and ardent fan throughout his life of all things Baylor, especially on the athletic fields. Howard went on to practice law in Houston in the firm of Carl, Lee & Coselli from 1964 until the beginning of 2015, primarily in the areas of real estate and probate, but always with a focus on serving people. In 2014, he was honored by the State Bar of Texas for 50 years of service in the legal profession.

A faithful and active member of South Main Baptist Church from the cradle roll until his passing, Howard served as a deacon, fifth grade Sunday school teacher, dedicated member of every committee in the church, generous contributor, and friend to the church and all its ministries. He loved South Main, its people, and its purpose.

Community service included some 20 years on the Board of Trustees at Houston Baptist University, most recently as its Vice Chairman. He was a 20 year member of the board of AD Players, sitting as Chairman for several years and providing a steady hand in the growth of its vision over that time. Howard was also a long time contributor to the fine work of the Union Baptist Association and Trinity Pines Conference Center.

Most precious in life to Howard was family. His life was a source of love and support to an extended family that will miss him so. Howard is survived by his four children and their spouses, Colleen and Bryan Gregory, Janet and Craig Kaiser, Stephen and Karen Lee, and Melanie and Brian Fowler, all of Houston; thirteen grandchildren, Suzanne, Laura, Caroline, and Julia Gregory; Kurt, Charlotte, and Katherine Kaiser; Stephen, Robert, and Elizabeth Lee; and Lee, William, and Jack Fowler; one sister, Sandra Durrett and her family; his stepmother, Sarah Lee Cole; and many friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patty Cobb Lee.

The family will receive friends from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 18th of May at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive, in Houston. A memorial service will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 19th of May at South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main Street, in Houston officiated by Dr. Steve Wells. A reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. The family will have gathered prior to the memorial service for a family graveside service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

In lieu of the customary remembrances and for those so desiring, a memorial donation may be made to South Main Baptist Foundation, AD Players, or Houston Baptist University.