Terry Lee

Terry Ray Lee was born June 21, 1950, in Three Rivers, Texas, to parents Francis and Ray Lee. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1968. He married Frances Younts in 1970.

He passed away May 3, 2018.

Terry went to Texas A&I and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1973. He taught Agriculture in both Cotulla and George West.

In 1978, Terry Lee built the BBQ restaurant, The Choppin Block, in George West. It was a successful and popular restaurant in the community, frequented as much for the opportunity to visit with Terry as for the food he prepared there.

After selling the restaurant, Terry Lee began running his hunting operation, Terry Lee Kennel. He was considered one of the innovators of the commercial quail hunting industry in South Texas. He devoted the rest of his life to this business, including his sons in the operation and mentoring many young men in the process.

Terry also mentored many youth with livestock projects. He spent much time in the last years raising goats and sheep and provided guidance and advice to kids in the livestock show community.

Terry was a man with many friends. He was the consummate host, welcoming everyone to his home with his signature humor, wit and charm.

Terry may have been best known for his cooking and hospitality. He graciously prepared meals for countless weddings, rehearsal dinners, fundraisers, school dinners and parties, and he did so as a gift of his time and talent.

Terry will be loved and remembered by friends and family alike for his unwavering and magnetic personality. He was strong and steady, witty and wise. He was larger than life and will be missed. He was loved by all who knew him.

Terry Ray Lee was preceded in death by his mother, Francis Lee; and his father, Ray Lee.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Lee; sons, Joe Willie and wife, Kendra, Stewart and wife, Heather, Tyree and wife Merri; and his grandchildren, Hudson, Grady, Parker, Turner, Spencer, Ashton, Logan and Tenesen. He is also survived by his brother, David "Bucky" Wall; his sister, Nancy McKinney and her husband, Bob; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m. May 7, 2018, at the Lee Bird and Breakfast. Pallbearers were Ronny Rawlinson, William Wallace, John Gilmore, Kyle Brown, Cosme Arciba, Taylor Cline, Matt Fields and Juan Pantoja.

Honorary pallbearers were all the boys who have worked for Terry Lee Kennel.

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