Paul "Percy" Raybon Lee, Sr.

Saltville, VA

Paul "Percy" Raybon Lee, Sr, age 91, lifelong resident of Saltville, but now resides with the Lord on February 21, 2026. He was born in McCready's Gap on September 6, 1934 to the late Wyndham Lee and Margaret Routh Lee.

Percy attended Saltville High School, where he was an outstanding football player and running back on the undefeated 1953 Regional Championship team. After school, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. When he returned home, he worked for many years at Olin Matheson and American Chain until his retirement.

He was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church for 60 years, where he served as a trustee and Sunday School superintendent at the Quarry. He later attended Madam Russell United Methodist Church and loved all of his church family dearly.

Percy stayed active in sports throughout his life. He coached the Seven Row Yellow Jackets and was a longtime referee with the Appalachian Officials League, working games across the area. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his friends, Ted Maiden and L.T. Olinger Breakfast Club, and was a familiar face at the "picnic table club" at Rita's Deli. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. Percy will always be remembered for his strong faith and love for his family, his big smile, and kind heart. He will be missed by everyone who knew him

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Bill Lee and wife Mildred; sisters, Ruby Overbay and Mary Crenshaw; nephews, Billy Lee, Harold Browning, Jr., Robert Jo Barrett; and niece, Glenna Hunt.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 66 years of marriage, Ella Barrett Lee; his son, Paul Raybon Lee, Jr. and wife Racheal; his wonderful grandchild; sisters-in-law, Carol Yates and Shirley Ward; nieces, Patty Billings, Judy DeBusk, Joyce Boswell, and Beth Dean; nephews, Darrell Lee, Rodney Lee, and Todd Yates; and many dear friends.

Flowers are accepted and appreciated, but donations may also be made to St. Jude's in Percy's honor.

Funeral services in celebration of Percy's life will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Madam Russell United Methodist Church with Rev. Donna Hester and Rev. John Roe Officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12 until 1 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery with Military Rites rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the V.F.W. Post #4667.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Paul "Percy" Raybon Lee, Sr.