Gerald Lee

H. Gerald Lee 

(November 10, 1930 – February 6, 2024) 

Gerald Lee, age 93, of Taft TX passed away on February 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Gerald was born November 10, 1930 in Ballinger TX, oldest son of four children to the late Thomas Joseph (TJ) and Estelle Lee.  

Gerald was raised in Ballinger and moved to Hale Center Texas in 1948 where he met his high school sweetheart Phyllis Jane Thrush. He joined the Navy in 1950 during the Korean War. After completing boot camp in San Diego CA, Gerald drove to Texas to propose to Phyllis and they were married October 20, 1951, by a Justice of the Peace in Clovis NM on their way back to San Diego CA. Gerald was stationed for two years at the Naval Amphibious Base San Diego and spent two years on ships that traveled near Korea and Japan before being discharged from the Navy. After a couple of years back in Lubbock, Gerald and Phyllis moved to Hale Center TX and opened a Farm Store and learned to fly his own plane and started a crop-dusting business. Gerald served on the Hale Center City Council and was Captain of the Volunteer Fire Department.   

Gerald moved his family to South Texas in June 1969, first to Ingleside then Portland TX. Gerald was a Computer Operations Manager and pilot for Corpus Christi State National Bank for several years before deciding to get his real estate license. Deciding that being a realtor wasn't his thing, he became a home builder. Gerald was a member of the Home Builders Association and over the course of 23 years, he developed 7 subdivisions and built over 500+ homes in the Coastal Bend area.  

Gerald served as an Elder in the Ingleside Church of Christ before moving to Portland TX where he later became Charter Member and Elder of North Bay Church of Christ where he served for many years.  

Gerald is survived by his wife of 73 years Phyllis Lee, son Chris (Kendra) Lee of Spring TX, Craig Lee of Taft TX. Gerald has three grandchildren:   Adam Lee of The Woodlands TX, Amy (Scott) Strickman of Portsmouth RI and Zac Lee of Ingleside TX. He also has two great grandchildren: Tenley Strickman and Tucker Strickman.

 Visitation will be held at Winsteads’ Funeral Home, located at 500 Wildcat Drive, Portland TX on February 15^th, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at North Bay Church of Christ, located at 1501 Denver Street, Portland TX on February 16^th, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. 

In lieu of flowers, Gerald prefers donations be sent to Sunny Glen Children’s Home in San Benito TX, to help the children who have always been dear to his heart.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com