Danny James Lee, Sr.

Danny J. Lee, Sr was born in Texas City, Tx in the summer of 1947 to Ruth and Wayne Lee. After a long battle with heart disease, Danny passed away on November 4th from respiratory complications in Livingston, Texas. Danny was a highly revered competitor his whole life. Whether he was playing baseball as a kid in the pony leagues that included greats like Nolan Ryan, or in his later years playing golf, you had better believe that he was going to give the game everything he had. He lived his life in this same disposition; if you can't beat them, you can out work them. The accounts of this competitive nature begin with his early days at Dickinson high school, where he met our mother, Peggy. During his time in high school, he ran track, was quarterback of the football team, and was the ace pitcher on the baseball team. Our mother always told us his talent was in baseball. Looking back through newspaper clippings, he had at least 6 games where he struck out 10 or more batters. He had 60 strikeouts in his first 24 innings his senior year. This talent would later take him to Corsicana, where he played for Navarro Junior College and made friends that would later beckon him back to Navarro County to live. He was a great welder and pipe fitter by trade, and a member of the local pipe fitter’s union. His career was spent mostly in and around the Houston ship channel, but in the early days and end of his career, his work sent him all over the US and to remote parts of the world. Like his father, who was also employed as one of America's craftsmen, Danny took great pride in being an American and a craftsman by doing his part in building America. He was a great storyteller, dog lover, avid golfer, and fisherman. His friends and family would tell you that he was always the personality at the party, and he could talk to anyone. His humor and good personal traits are the legacy we should all remember. Danny was a hard worker, often sweating through his clothes before lunchtime; even still he was a harder man to get to know. He was very opinionated, but underneath that tough exterior, he was kindhearted to the end. Our family believes he always meant to do the right thing, and it is our hope that in death, his mind is finally at peace. Danny was preceded in death by his wife, Anna "Darlene" Videla Lee, mother, Ruth Lee, father, Wayne T. Lee, sister, Peggy Abbott, nephew, Kenny Lee, Jr., and grandson, Jason Hooker. He is survived by four children who always loved him very much: Shannon Williams and husband Scott of Huntsville, Tx; Amanda Hanes and husband Kevin of Sandy Springs, GA; Danny J. Lee, Jr of College Station; and Ryan Lee and wife Kristina Lee of College Station. There are many grandkids: Kaitlin May, Karlee McBee, and Kiaire Carlin; Jake Hanes, Luke Hanes, and Johanna Hanes; Kelsey Lee, Mallory Lee, Chloe Lee, Coleman Lee; and Jackson Lee, Reagan Lee, Carter Lee. In addition, his stepson Charles K. Hooker and wife Tammy and their children: Laci Hooker and "Lil Willie" Hooker. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Kenneth Lee, Sr. of Angel's Camp, California; niece, Renee Lee Schroyer of Lakeside, Oregon; niece, Gwen Stewart of Laytonville, California. There will be a private family memorial service held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you make a donation to your local first responders, Special Olympics, local animal care fund or St. Jude's Children's Hospital ... These were all things that Danny supported throughout his life. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.

Danny James Lee, Sr.

June 18, 1947 - November 4, 2023