Nelson Lee

Nelson Lee, age 95, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024, peacefully in his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024, at Scott’s Funeral Home with Pastor David Booth officiating.   Interment will follow at Pearl Cemetery.   

Johnnie Nelson Lee was born August 25, 1928 to the late Laura Newland Lee and Albert David Lee.  He attended Bigham and Gatesville schools.  He met the love of his life, Joanne Robinson, and they married June 17, 1950. Together, they moved to San Angelo, where he worked for the Goodyear Tire Company.  They returned to Pearl in 1960 and made their forever home at the JNL Ranch.  Nelson enjoyed working on the ranch and playing dominos.  In his last year of life, he looked forward to when little Sterlin would come over to eat Oreo cookies and drink “wittle” Dr. Peppers. 

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joanne; daughter, Lu Lee Crenshaw; and siblings, Ruth Pancake, Cathryn (Mert) Powell, Joanne (Doe Doe) Lee, Laverne Wolfe, Walter Lee, and David Lee. 

He is survived by his daughter, Dionitia Parrish and husband, Donald; son-in-law, Chuck Crenshaw; grandchildren, Kay Hunt and husband Jared, Charles Crenshaw and wife Christina, John Parrish and wife Lisa, Gayla Hodges and husband Matt; great grandchildren, Kelby Jones Shults and husband Scott, Case Jones and wife Kristen, Kagen Hunt, Mattie and Nolan Hodges, Kade and Katy Parrish; great-great grandchildren, Sterlin Grey Shults and Paxton Brack Jones; many beloved nieces and nephews; and great friends, Freda Cook, and Jimmy and Susan McPherren. 

Pallbearers for Nelson’s service are Jared Hunt, Case Jones, Scott Shults, John Parrish, Matt Hodges, and Charles Crenshaw.  Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Lee, Chuck Crenshaw, Donald Parrish, Vance Stephens, Jimmy McPherren, Albert Pancake, Joe Pancake, and Richard Penny.  

The family would like to thank Nelson’s care givers for all the love and support in his final days.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Pearl Country Church, 5685 CR 139, Gatesville, Texas 76528, or to Bluebonnet Hospice Services, 307 Londonderry Waco, Texas 76712.