MCGEHEE — Benny N. Lee,

89, of McGehee, Ark., died on July 17, 2020, in Lake Village, Ark. Deacon Lee was born in Selma, Ark., on February 27, 1931, to Jessie and Sarah Lee. He was educated in Desha County Training Schools, McGehee. He attended Jr. College in St. Louis, Mo. He has been happily married for 67 years to Rita G. McCoy-Lee. He served in the U. S. Army for 28 years. After retirement, he worked for the Desha County Sherriff Department and the McGehee Police Department for 15 years. He was a member of Tryumph Lodge #296, McGehee, past member of the Royal Arch, The Knights Templar and 32nd Mason. Other curriculums included being a member of McGehee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where he served as “Deacon” and was affectionately referred to as “Deac.” His favorite scripture and his motto, “He has fought a good fight and he has finished his course.” Deacon Benny was also the “BOOSTER” for the Southeast Baptist Association Ministries and Deacons Union. In the community, he has received the “Martin Luther King, Jr.” Man of the Year award, past Chairman of the CIC Arms Apartment Board. He was an all and all person, always there and willing to give and help where and whenever necessary.

Deacon Lee is preceded in death by two sons, Wendell A. Lee and Benny N. Lee, Jr.; parents, Jessie Lee, Sr. and Sara Lee; four brothers, Maurice Martin, James Martin, Jessie Lee, Jr., and Curtis Lee; three sisters, Floretha Harper, Elnora Smith, and Pearline Jenkins.

Deacon Lee leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories: his wife, Rita Lee; one son, Parnell D. Lee of Nashville, Ark.; one daughter, Bennyedene (Dene) Spencer of McGehee; one sister, Vera Dodd of McGehee, Ark.; one brother, Calvin Lee, Sr. of Chicago, Illinois; two granddaughters, Kamilah C. Spencer of Alexander, Ark., and Jayla A. Lee of Little Rock, Ark.; one great-granddaughter, Xzadria S. Spencer of Alexander, Ark.; a special friend and colleague, Lewis C. Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be Thursday, July 23rd, 3 5 p.m., at the Willis Funeral Home. A private Family Hour will be Thursday, July 23, from 5 – 6 p.m., at the Willis Funeral Home Chapel. Moderator Larry Alexander will be officiating. Burial will be Friday, July 24, at the National Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, Ark. The services are entrusted to the Willis Funeral Home, 101 N. Park Street, McGehee, Ark.

PLEASE NOTE: GUEST MUST WEAR A MASK THROUGHOUT THE SERVICES AND FOLLOW THE CDC GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING.