James Wheeler Lee

James Wheeler Lee, 87, of Morehead City, passed away on Good Friday, March 25, 2016 at the Crystal Coast Hospice House surrounded by family and church family singing his way to heaven.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Johnson officiating.  Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park.

Mr. Lee was a lifetime resident of Eastern NC, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and worked as an assistant manager for the A&P Grocery Store in New Bern and then he was the manager for the A&P Grocery Store in Morehead City. He and his wife Marian owned and operated the IGA Grocery Store in Morehead City for many years. He finally retired from Belk’s Department Store in Morehead City after 26 years at the age of 86.  He was one of the founders of Temple Baptist Church of Morehead City.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marian Rowe Lee; daughter Teresa Lewis and husband Michael of Morehead City; three grandchildren, Gary Michael Norris and wife Bethany, Craig Matthew Norris and wife Tasma, and Joshua C. Lewis; three great-grandchildren, Morgan Lillie Norris, Abbi Marie Lewis and Michael Blake Lewis; niece, Marsha L. Ireland; and three nephews, James Rowe, Jamie Rowe, and Hiram Lupton, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his three sons, Darrel Lee, and twin sons Barry and Garry Lee; and his parents Walter and Kate Lee.

The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 pm Monday at Munden Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, PO Box 842, Morehead City, NC 28557.