Lawrence Smith "JR" Lee Jr.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Technical Sergeant Lawrence Smith Lee Jr, USAF (Ret.), who left us unexpectedly on May 25, 2024, at the age of 49.   Lawrence, lovingly called JR, served his country with distinction and honor for 22 years in the United States Air Force, touching countless lives with his dedication, integrity, and unwavering spirit.  JR was born October 15, 1974 in Lakenheath, England to Lawrence Lee and the late Billie Jean Lee (Surratt).  He was predeceased by his mother, Billie Jean, and his brother, Lewis Lee. Their memories provided JR with strength and inspiration throughout his life, and he is now reunited with them in eternal peace. JR graduated from Caledonia High School in 1992 and immediately attended Louisiana Tech University.  On March 15, 1995 he began his 22 year career in the United States Air Force.  While on Active Duty he earned his Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He transitioned to the National Guard in 2002.  It was during this time that he enrolled full time at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.  In 2008 he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering.  JR was very proud of his service to his country. He was a combat veteran who served in various deployed locations in the middle east as well as several assignments in most of the major continents across the globe. This led to notable accolades and decorations. He received The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, The National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Armed Forces Services Medal, The Air Force Training Ribbon, The Air Force Longevity Award,  Air and Space Achievement Medal, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award (5 OLC),   Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 bronze OLC, Air Force Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Bronze OLC,   National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service with 1Bronze OLC , United States Air Force Professional Military Education (PME) Graduate Ribbon, and Air and Space Training Ribbon. JR lived life to the absolute fullest. His personality entered the room before he did; he was the life of the party. JR touched many lives with his giving spirit.  If he had it, he was going to share it with anyone around him, even strangers. Even if you only met him once, you could never forget him. To know him was to love him.   JR was a lover of sports, it didn’t matter what it was, he was going to watch it!  He loved adventure and traveling.  Most importantly, he loved his wife and daughter.   JR leaves to cherish his memories, his committed Wife, Patricia Lobo, Daughter Alice’ Lee (Joseph), Father, (TSGT)Lawrence S. Lee Sr., Grandmother, Mary Surratt, Sister, (SGT)Michele Lee Stroud (Chris), Brother, Stevie Lee (Kaitlyn), and a plethora of nieces and nephews, cousins and valued friends. JR, you were a warrior, a loving husband and father, a devoted brother and son, and a true friend. Your legacy of love and service will live on forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear JR. You will be profoundly missed and never forgotten. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 1, 2024 in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends Friday, May 31, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DAV, the Disabled American Veterans Association https://www.dav.org/. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.