James Gerald "Jerry" Lee

Jerry Lee, age 69, of Meridian, Mississippi passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was born on April 15, 1947 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky to the late James Thomas Lee and Mary Glodine “Jodie” Fields Lee. At the age of 17, Jerry enlisted in the Army and graduated boot-camp February 1965. In the Army Jerry became a paratrooper and advanced to leading the division and training them as parachute riggers. When the Vietnam War began, he deployed with the 109th Aerial Delivery Company attached to the 101st Airborne and was stationed at Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam serving three tours nearly back to back. A soldier of the 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles), he was a part of many important events including December of 1967, when his division made history conducting the largest and longest airlift operation directly in a combat zone. During his tours, he rigged parachutes, was a paratrooper, and was in the 5th Special Forces training South Vietnamese to fight the Viet Cong. Jerry separated from the Army as Corporal in April 1968.

He leaves behind his three daughters, Tambra, Traci, and Jessica as well as four grandsons, Reese, Evan, Hudson, and Gabriel.

Graveside services for Mr. Lee to be held at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, Mississippi at 11:30am on February 26th, 2017.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

A beloved friend, father, and veteran.

God bless his soul and welcome another American Hero to the golden streets of Heaven. May you rest in peace, Jerry Lee.