Norman Ray Lee, 87, of Beaumont died Wednesday, March 1, 2012, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont after complications from surgery. Norman was born in Grayson, Louisiana, October 24, 1924, to Reverend John Wesley Lee and Lilly Bozone Calk Lee.
As a young boy, growing up as a preacher's son, and one of twenty-one brothers and sisters, Norman learned early in life that relationships were important. He always cared most about the people in his life whether they were his family, friends, or co-workers.
At sixteen Norman found himself traveling to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge to begin his studies, only to be interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the service at which time he was assigned to Cal Tech V12 Squad in Pasadena, California. There he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. While at Cal Tech Norman served as student body President and was a member of the 1944 football team, playing in the Rose Bowl. In 2003 he and his football team were awarded the Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame for their team's accomplishments. After leaving Cal Tech, Norman served as a Navy Lieutenant in the Pacific region during the Korean War.
In 1949 Norman moved to Beaumont and started his thirty-eight year commitment to Gulf States Utilities Company. During his tenure he received his executive Masters of Business Administration from Harvard University. After numerous positions within Gulf States, the Board of Directors named him Vice Chairman while also serving as President and Chief Operating Officer until his retirement in 1987.
As a civic and cultural leader, he was a director of Texas Commerce Bank-Beaumont, and was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, having served for a number of years on the Board of Stewards. He had been a member of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, United Way and the Rotary Club, having served in numerous capacities for each organization.
Norman was happily married for sixty years to Nell Ray Lee of Beaumont. Together they raised two children, four grandchildren, and three (almost four) great grandchildren. After Nell's death in 2010, Norman was fortunate to find another special companion and love, Myrtle Locke Lee. Together he and Myrtle were active members of the Sterling Silver Singers of Trinity United Methodist Church singing every week for local area retirement homes in the area. As husband and wife they were excitedly building and planning their future before his sudden and unexpected death.
Norman is survived by his loving wife, Myrtle Lee of Beaumont; his son, Norman R. Lee, Jr. of Marietta, Georgia; his daughter, Rebecca Nell Adams and her husband, William R. Adams of Sugar Land, Texas. He also is survived by his four grandchildren, Jeremy and his wife, Erin Lee, Tim and his wife, Kimberly Lee, Daniel Lee, and Tanner Adams, as well as three (almost four) great grandchildren, Abigail Lee, Garrison Lee, Jeremiah Lee, and the future Madeline Grace Lee to be born in May.
There will be a gathering of his family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012, Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Choir Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726.
