James Carl Lee, Jr, age 89, went to his heavenly home on May 1, 2022 while in Hospice care for cancer in Rogersville, MO. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, respected businessman, and a devout member of True Hope Missionary Baptist Church who will be dearly missed by many family and friends.

James Carl “Buck” Lee was born March 27, 1933 in Clovis, New Mexico, the youngest child and only son of farmers James Carl Lee, Sr and Edna Chapman Lee. He was welcomed into the family by older sisters Edna “Jewell” and Betty Jean, who cherished their baby brother throughout his life. In his youth, the family moved to Pleasant Hope, MO to continue farming. Buck attended local schools and graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1951. Shortly after graduation, Buck was drafted into the US Army and worked as a Radar technician during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Japan.

Upon Buck’s return to the US, he courted and married the beautiful Miss Betty Lee Ruyle of Slagle, MO whom he met in church. They married on October 21, 1956 in the Dee and Chloe Ruyle family home. They were blessed with the birth of two beloved sons, David and Darrell, whom they were devoted to raising. Buck and Betty were each other’s best friend, and they enjoyed celebrating their faith and family together for more than 65 years.

Buck and his family moved throughout the Midwest while he was employed by Western Electric. He retired in the early 1980’s in Springfield, MO and then opened the business that he truly enjoyed most, which was serving others with his many home repair talents. Lee Home Improvements continued to serve his many customers until late 2021, and Buck truly treasured those countless opportunities to help his longtime customers and friends. 

Buck lived a life surrounded by his family’s devotion, respect and treasured love. He is survived by his dear wife, Betty Ruyle Lee of Springfield; son David and wife Sherry Lee of Bushnell, FL; son Darrell and wife Kelly Lee of Burleson, TX; grandson Jared and wife Jamie Lee of St. Augustine, FL; grandson Ryan and wife Erin Lee of Springfield; and his four precious and treasured great-grandchildren Nora, Jasmine, Nolan and Jack Lee. Buck is also survived by his endearing sister Betty Wooten of Half Way, MO; sister-in-law Connie and husband Michael “Mick” Hood of Bolivar, MO; brother-in-law Charles and wife Nancy Ruyle of Surprise, AZ; and five nephews. 

Buck was predeceased by his parents  and sister Jewell Lee Brakebill of Pleasant Hope, as well as brother-in-laws Jack Brakebill and Burley Wooten, sister-in-law Mary Ann Ruyle, nephews John Ruyle, Gary Brakebill, Terry Wooten and Denny Wooten. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 6 – 8pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, May 5, 2022 with Brother Brock Divine officiating. Burial will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield at 2 pm.