Jefferson Davis Lee, Jr. (J.D.), of San Angelo, Texas, passed away January 18, 2021, at the age of ninety-one. J.D. was born in Austin, Texas, September 27, 1929, to Jefferson Davis Lee and Bessie Bean Born. He was born into an extended family of many aunts, uncles and cousins; some cousins serving as surrogate siblings. J.D. met his wife Evelyn when they were both working at HEB in Austin; his favorite quip was that they met behind the canned goods. They were married on May 27, 1950.
After his desire to be Ernest Tubbs or Hopalong Cassidy didn’t turn out, his passion turned to all things connected with aviation. After serving three years in the United States Air Force as a Sargent, his only wish was to pursue a career with the F.A.A., which began in September 1951 when he accepted a job offer at the Flight Service Station in Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage was a beautiful, scenic place to live for three-and-a-half years for two young marrieds who loved the adventure.
In 1955, J.D. was accepted as a journeyman air traffic controller in El Paso, Texas. Over the years he pursued his dream job in Fort Worth, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. He retired from the FAA in 1986 after thirty-four years of doing what he loved.
J.D. and Evelyn spent many years and found great friends square dancing. It was a fun and healthful hobby enjoyed for fifty years. In his free time, he loved camping with his children in the beautiful mountains of northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.
At the age of 85, and not being able to read music, J.D. started learning to play a Mountain Dulcimer using tapes as textbooks. An angel, known to most as Debbie Averitt, devoted many hours to helping him learn and continued to practice with him until declining health prevented his participation.
Survivors include his wife of seventy years, Evelyn McClure Lee; son David Lee and wife Beverly of
Rio Rancho, N.M., son Jeff Lee of Las Cruces, N.M., daughter Pamela Lee, and one cousin, Sally Mahlen of Fullerton, California.
There will be a private burial service for the family and a celebration of his life to be held in the spring.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at
www.harper-funeralhome.com.
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