Vernon Leroy Lee , 82, of Vernon passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Iuka surrounded by his loving family, Monday, April 14, 2025. He was born on November 10, 1942, the son of William and Leona (Campbell) Lee. He married Patsy Payne on January 18, 1964, in Marion County and she survives.

Along with his devoted wife of 61 years, Patsy Lee, survivors include his children, Dee Whited and husband Jim of Iuka, and Nancy Tolbert of Salem; grandchildren, Jennifer Senn and husband Timothy, Justin Grimes, Brandon Grimes, Caleb Grimes, Sara Tolbert, Eliza Vaughn, Blaine Tolbert, and Daniel Tolbert; great-grandchildren, Aiden Senn, Brylee Wright, Rowan Taylor, and expecting baby Waylon Vaughn; siblings, Lawrence Lee of Sandoval, and Barb Cooper of Irvington; his "blood brother", Bill Ussrey; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona Lee; sisters, Emma Myers, and Hazel Bryant; and brothers, Babe Lee, and Norman Lee; and his son, Vernon Leroy Lee Jr.

Vernon worked hard and was a wonderful provider for his family. He had quite a talent for repairing watches and clocks. He gave extra attention to the restoration of tractors and Model A cars, bringing them back to their original beauty. Vernon had a love for music and liked to play for family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, sharing stories of his latest adventure. Vernon was extremely friendly and made friends wherever he went, as he never met a stranger. He mostly looked forward to time spent with his family, especially his grandkids. Vernon will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Interment will follow at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin, where military rites will be accorded by the Centralia VFW Post 2055 and American Legion Post 446. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, where relatives and friends are welcome to offer words of comfort and support. Memorials may be made in Vernon's honor to his Family's Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Vernon may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.