Brother, one year has passed since you transitioned to the life eternal. I miss you more than words can describe. Your banter, your laugh, your love of life and your love of people — I miss them all.  One day we will be reunited. Meanwhile, I know you are entertaining family and friends, loving them, helping them, and keeping them laughing on that distant shore.

I worked with Lee at Barge. My favorite memory was helping him with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in the reintroduction of elk in Land Between the Lakes. I was there with him to witness the first elk release. I will miss you my friend.

Lee Kribbs was a true leader in East Tennessee and in particular in the greater Knoxville area through his long term position with Barge, Wagner, Sumner and Cannon. He worked with many Mayors, as well as Tennessee Governors and many other elected officials. 
He also was a huge Citizen Conservationist by working diligently for many years with the East Tennessee Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He served as Chairman of the Chapter for several years. and attracted scores of individuals to help raise funds to support the Elk Foundation and the reintroduction of wild, free-ranging elk to Tenneseee, Kentucky and North Carolina. 
His personality was like a magnet and he probably never met a stranger. He and his wife Ann were married for over 60 years and they loved to travel, especially to New Mexico. 
Lee will be missed by his family members as well as hundreds if not thousands of friends.

Mike we are so sorry for your loss.   Our prayers for you and your family 
Ruby Harrell and Jamie Russell

My heart breaks at the news of losing another wonderful person in this world. Ann, I have thought about you and Lee many times over the years and wondered how you were doing. I am so very sorry for your loss and wish I could give you a big hug. Mike and Doug, I am equally sorry for your loss.  I know how much  your dad meant to you both.  I cherish the memories I have from long ago of my time with all of you. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap you tightly in His embrace during this very sad time.
Much Love, Kim

My cousin Lee was a special older cousin. As children we would gather at my grandmother's house in Eagle Lake, Florida and enjoy playing among the orange and grapefruit trees owned by my grandparents. We would build forts with the large wooden boxes placed in the grove awaiting the picking season. We all knew the happy care-free years of our youth with grandparents who loved us.
As adults Lee and I had contact maybe once or twice a year by phone and on occasion a visit when I was in Knoxville or he was in Chattanooga.  On a couple of occasions I visited with Lee and Ann his bride of many years and enjoyed their lovely home settled in the woods that surrounded.  Met his boys a couple of times but Lee and I did most of our catching up by phone. I will miss those times.

I know Ann and the boys will miss Lee greatly as will his sister Kay in  Coggins in Nashville. 

Lee Kribbs - Not only a smart business man but a cousin to be proud of in my way of thinking.

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.  Kribbs.  We have many fond memories of the time he spent hunting at our ranch in New Mexico.  We wish his family our sincere condolences.   

Happy Hunting, Mr. Kribbs! 
Most Sincerely, 
Brian & Ana Padilla
& the Rio Nutrias Family

So sorry to hear about Lee...was a good friend and enjoyed working in Knoxville office with Lee...I was employed 1985 to 2009 ..."I was probably responsible for the beard wearing in office, sorry"...no one told me not allowed...Lee grew a beard shortly after...my condolences to the family.

Our prayers are with you on Lee's passing.
Hubert and Kathy Hammond.

What can I say about my brother? He was a person larger than life, and though  I knew better, I thought Lee would be here forever. As real and and forceful as he was, I could not imagine the world without him. It almost seemed that Lee never rested. He constantly had a new venture, a new task, a new dream to accomplish. Not only that, he always found a new person to reach out to, befriend, and assist. We were but 18 months apart in age, yet there was even less separation in spirit. Our bond is eternal. I am heartbroken and lost without you, Lee. God hold you close and grant you peace!

OBITUARY

Donald Lee Kribbs

November 30, 1941 – January 12, 2024

Berry Highland Memorial

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