Don E Lee

In Loving Memory of Don Elton Lee, Sr.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
— Psalm 91:1–

Don Elton Lee, Sr. passed away suddenly at his home on May 30th, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on September 2nd, 1936, in Concord, Tennessee, to Ralph and Gladys Lee.
Don graduated from Farragut High School in 1954 and proudly entered the United States Air Force. After serving four years, he began a distinguished 40‑year career with National Life and Accident Insurance Company, where he earned numerous awards recognizing his excellence in both sales and management.
Following retirement, Don continued doing what he loved—working on his farm and raising cattle in Cleveland and Sale Creek. His work ethic, generosity, and steadfast spirit were evident in everything he touched.
Throughout his life, Don devoted himself to helping and encouraging not only his immediate and extended family but also countless friends and members of the community. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Above all, Don’s greatest gift to his family and to others was his unwavering love for Jesus. He never missed an opportunity to point others toward Christ.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Barrett Lee and Ralph Ramon Lee, and by his sisters Patsy, Judy, and Marilyn Lee.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ina Eldridge Lee. On October 21st, Don and Ina would have celebrated 65 years of marriage—a testament to their deep love, devotion, and lifelong commitment to caring for one another through every season of life.
He is also survived by his daughter Lori Lee White (Jay), his son Don Lee Jr. (Cindy), and his grandchildren—who affectionately called him “Poppy Lee”: Kristen Wilson (David), Kara Pifer (David), Kaleb Lee (Summer), Jackson White (Tiffany), and Sawyer White (Olivia). Don leaves behind thirteen great‑grandchildren: Eva Kate, Reagan, Virginia, and Ruth Wilson; Nate, Silas, Isaac, and Samual Pifer; Jack and Hank Lee; Everlee, Amelia, and Hattie White.
He is further survived by four sisters: Sherry Burris (Ronnie), Sue Phillips (Kenny), Janice Pickens (James), and Tammy Wilburn (Dickie); and seven brothers: Ramon Lee (Elizabeth), Ronnie Lee (Rita), Reverend Danny Lee (Sheila), Monte Lee (Kathy), Allen Lee (Rhonda), David Lee (Denise), and Marty Lee (Peggy). Additional survivors include sister‑in‑law Sharan Rasnick (Bill), brother‑in‑law Gerald Eldridge, special cousin Phyllis Roberts, and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Jerry Bales.


Service Information
Friday, June 5
Visitation: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Service: 1:00 PM
Location: Lake Drive Baptist Church
Officiants: Reverend Danny Lee, Reverend Toby Brogdon, and Reverend David Haynes
Interment will follow immediately at Standifer Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Jackson White, Sawyer White, Kaleb Lee, David Wilson, and David Pifer.

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