Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas "Tommy" Lee Sr.

Thomas "Tommy" Lee Sr. obituary, Opelousas, LA

FUNERAL HOME

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home - Opelousas

2845 S Union Street

Opelousas, Louisiana

Thomas Lee Obituary

Funeral services for Thomas "Tommy" Lee, Sr. have been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 in the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas. Interment will be in the St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Grand Coteau. The Reverend Greg Gaspard will conduct the service. Mr. Lee, who was a native of Desark, Arkansas, and a resident of Opelousas, LA, died on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Opelousas General Health System. Tommy served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After the conflict, Tommy entered college where he became a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Mr. Lee worked in Baton Rouge for Uniroyal and then Vulcan chemical plants. He was active in the community as a member of the Central Jaycee's, where he served as President and then as Regional Vice President. He was also a co-founder of the Central Area Youth League and a co-founder and board member of the Central Volunteer Fire Department. Later Tommy taught school at Belmont Academy for 3 years, Port Barre High School for 12 years and Beau Chene High School for 6 years. During the 1991-1992 school year Mr. Lee received the "Teacher of the Year" award. He was a member of the Louisiana Association of Education and the American Federation of Teachers. He was the owner of the St. Landry Rig Maintenance company and he served as Head Deacon at the Unity Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Betty M. Lee of Opelousas; son, Buddy Lee and friend, Donna Firmin of Prairieville, LA; daughter, Kristin Lee Guidry and husband Chuck of Baton Rouge, LA; step son, Roderick Lyn Ritter of Lake Charles; step daughter, Melissa Steffan and husband Craig of Eunice; brother, Jerry Walls and wife Carolyn of Lawtell, LA; grandchildren, 2nd Lt. Cody Lee and wife Andrea, Danielle Dauphinet, Katy Miller, Grant Guidry, Texster Ritter, and Natocha Ritter; great grandchildren, Tyler Dauphinet, Julia K. Dauphinet , Jordan Ritter and Dylan Ritter. He is preceded in death by his father, Wilburn Lee; mother, Effie Walls; step-father, Preston Walls; 1st wife, Kay Francis Crespo Lee and brother, Harlan Walls. Pallbearers will be Jason Freneaux, Troy Walls, Derrick Walls, Texster Ritter, Bill Weaver and Brian Spears. Honorary pallbearers will be 2nd Lt. Cody Lee and Dustin Gunter. Visitation will be held in the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas beginning on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 from 5:00- 9:00 p.m. and will reopen on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. until service time. Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 S. Union St, Opelousas, LA, 70570, (337)942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published by The Advocate from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Lee

Not sure what to say?





I worked with Mr. Lee at Port Barre High for the 12 years he worked there. He taught my children. We commuted together to night classes at LSUE. He was a pleasure to work with and associate with. RIP, Your smile will never be forgotten.
Edwin J. Fontenot

December 5, 2013

Mr. Lee teached me during my Jr. & Sr. year at Beau Chene High. He always knew how to fill a room with laughter. He was a person with a kind and warm heart. He was also like a father to me. His memories will always be cherished. Thank you Mr.Lee for all you've done. I pray that your family gains strength n peace at this difficult time.

Francesca savoy

December 4, 2013

Mr. Lee was a great teacher and friend. His smile a laugh was something you could always count on to brighten your day. He will be in my heart always!

Hope Lanclos

December 3, 2013

Thank you for the wonderful memories you gave us at Port Barre High! Mr. Lee was the best , for the students and the faculty. Brigitte Wyble

December 2, 2013

Great man. Will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Monica Duplechain

December 2, 2013

Rest in Peace Mr. Lee.

Chad Cormier

December 2, 2013

To a great teacher who always made a student smile. You are now smiling down and no one will ever take your place. RIP

kristie trammell

December 2, 2013

Buddy, sorry to hear about you Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alvin & Candace Ruiz

December 2, 2013

This man was an awesome person, teacher and friend. Always smiling, and willing to participate in events with his students...even if it meant him dressing up as someone or something rather silly. He will be missed by many.

Kelli (Rider) Courville

December 2, 2013

Mr. Lee, you always knew how to make me smile when I was having a bad day or even when I was not in the mood to smile. Fly High, and shine!!

Heather Quirk

December 2, 2013

Rest in peace Mr Lee....You were an awesome teacher and a wonderful person...

Alicia Dawkins

December 1, 2013

Mr.Lee,
May you rest in peace. He taught me in 7th grade at P.B.H.S. Will never forget his smile and encouraging words of wisdom.

Melissa Armond

December 1, 2013

Hello Betty, I was shocked and saddened to hear that Tommy had passed. I hope things work out when you move and our good memories will help the sadness to pass. My family and I will always remember your visit to Huntsville. I will remember LSU and PKA days and standing in his wedding in 1957. May God bless you in the coming days.
Sherill, Corinne and Jean Causey.

Sherill Causey

December 1, 2013

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Lee's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Lee

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home - Opelousas

2845 S Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Lee's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more