James Morris

Memorial services for James Morris Lee, 67, Tyler, are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at Pollard United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Luna and Dr. James Reiter officiating. Arrangements are through Stewart Family Funeral Home, Tyler. Visitation for family and friends is 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, May 5, 2008 at the funeral home. Dr. Lee died May 3 in Tyler at Hospice of East Texas. He was born September 3, 1940, in Waxahachie, Texas, to James B. and Stannie Lee. He grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1958. He attended Texas Wesleyan College and Texas Tech University. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart Shirley McElroy of Midlothian Texas and moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he attended Southern College of Optometry and received his Doctorate in 1963. He and Shirley moved to Henderson Texas in 1963 where he started his Optometric practice and they raised their family. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he served on various church boards and committees. He was also active with March of Dimes, Henderson Baseball Association, Optimist Club and Jaycees. After moving to Tyler in 1983, he joined a group practice with Dr. Gene Bennett where he continued his practice until recently. Dr. Lee truly loved his work and the relationships he formed over the years with his associates and patients. He loved spending time with his family and friends and was an avid golfer. He was a member of Pollard United Methodist Church. James was preceded in death by parents James B. and Stannie Lee and son, Jeff Lee. Survivors include wife Shirley Lee, Tyler, sons and daughters-in-law Greg and Jolene Lee, John and Leigh Lee, Robert and Janice Lee, and daughter-in-law, Julie Lee all of Tyler. Grandchildren include Caitlin and Reagan Lee, Chase and Anna Lee, James Lee, Jacob Lee and Jordan and Payton Roberts. Also sister and brother-in-law Iris and Charley Wilson, Waxahachie, sisters-in-law and husbands Sandy and Steve McMillion, McKinney, Sherry and Charles Moudy, Arlington, and Shanna and Michael Pope, Plano. Dr. Lee is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and friends. Honorary Pallbearers are David Roberts, Dr. Jon Schreiber, Bill Wallis, Pat Marshall, Tom Perryman, Dr. Gene Bennett, and Jack Thompson. If desired, memorials may be made to Pollard United Methodist Church 3050 Copeland Road, Tyler, Texas 75701 or Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701.