Lee Joseph Usie, “Pop”, “Tookie”, age 86, went to be with Jesus on January 8, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born July 13, 1935 in Chauvin, Louisiana, and he married the love of his life, Agnes Elizabeth Butt, at 19 years old on February 6, 1955.
Pop never met a stranger, and he loved to love on people. Friends quickly became family and everyone was welcome at his table. No matter the time of day or who you were, when you walked through Pop’s door, you were always met with a smile. He always made everyone feel like he was just waiting for them to arrive. Pop was incredibly generous, in every aspect of life, and he was always there to lend a helping hand. He made countless pieces of furniture for his wife, children, and grandchildren— pieces that will be cherished for generations and generations to come. Pop taught us all the meaning of commitment and dedication to family, the importance of hard work, and doing ALL things with joy. He taught these lessons not just with his words but in the way he lived his life.
Pop initially worked for Texaco in South Louisiana and in 1964 moved his family to Anchorage, Alaska where he began his career as a professional wood craftsman at Spenard Builders Supply. It wasn’t long before he became the lead craftsman, building notable pieces such as the steeple for Anchorage Baptist Temple, the glass display cases for Alaskan wildlife memorabilia in the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, native Alaskan artwork, other Alaskan signage, etc. Pop accomplished all of this before retiring at only 50 years of age, all the while raising 5 children and allowing his wife to stay at home and take care of the family. After retiring, he moved back to his home state of Louisiana to be with his kids and lived out the rest of his years in Greenwood, LA.
When Pop wasn’t in his shop or hanging out in the kitchen with his wife, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, tending to his lawn and garden, occasionally swapping his white t-shirt for a button down to attend Summer Grove Baptist Church, and hanging out with his best friend, Tommy Meredith, at the Evangel Football games every Friday night. We will never forget the stories he would tell around the coffee table with his thick Cajun accent; his greeting of “Hey bay”, a pat on the back, and a kiss on the cheek; the way he said “Pop”, the touch of his four-fingered hand, his woodworking how-to’s in his shop, and how he would tear through pounds upon pounds of crawfish in minutes.
Pop is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Agnes Elizabeth Butt Usie (83); his sister Lorena Usie Kilbert; his daughter Roslyn and husband Robert McCumpsey, his daughter, Amy Snider; his three sons and their wives, Barry Usie, John and Jaime Usie, Wesley and Tammy Usie; 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. All of these he loved and touched deeply.
Pop was preceded in death by 5 of his siblings Reynold “Bill” Usie, Amos Usie, Ivy Usie, Eldora Usie LeBoeuf, and Meloris Usie Falgout.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thanks for the outpouring of love and support from family and close friends. The generosity has been absolutely overwhelming.
The celebration of Pop’s life will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, January 13th, at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Mansfield Road. Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Snider, Jeremy Snider, Robert Jr. McCumpsey, Aaron McCumpsey, Lee Joseph Usie, Cody Usie, Wesley Ryan Usie, and John Wesley Usie. Honorary Pallbearers are Zachary Usie, Ashlae Ortiz, Zachary Sheridan, Chad Arnette, and Colin Holomon. Graveside ceremony to follow.
