Ted Lee

Biography David Turner Ted Lee, 84, lifelong Gila Valley resident, died Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Cobre Valley Medical Center in Globe, AZ. Ted was born August 29, 1927 in Safford to Marion and Sarah Virginia (Layton) Lee. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Thatcher High School, where he excelled in athletics and played basketball, football and baseball. He was the quarterback of the first undefeated Thatcher High School football team. His graduation was accelerated so he could enter the U.S. Army at age 17 during World War II. He served in the Army paratroopers pathfinder team and made 25 jumps. After the war, he graduated from Eastern Arizona College, where he was the quarterback on the football team. He also played baseball there. Ted also attended the University of Arizona and studied agricultural economics. He left college to return to the Gila Valley to take over his fathers ranching and farming business. Ted purchased the Mesquite Well ranch from his fathers estate and later expanded it by purchasing the Brimhall ranch and a farm at Aravaipa. A lifelong cattleman, he operated the Mesquite Well ranch for 23 years and remained active in buying, selling and feeding cattle throughout his life. Ted married Marilyn Doris Billingsley on June 23, 1952 in Duncan, AZ. He was active in numerous local and statewide civic organizations. He served as the president of the Arizona Cattlegrowers Association from 1965 1967. He also served 10 years on the Eastern Arizona College governing board. Ted was a lifelong member of the Gila Valley Irrigation Board and charter member of the Safford Valley Co-Op Gin. He served as the chairman of the state Bureau of Land Management Board and was a member of the Coronado Forest Advisory Board. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years, sisters Eva Spriggs, Sabina Larson, Leola Wallace, Etta Tidwell and brother Layton Lee. He is survived by sons David Turner Lee (Christi) of Pueblo, CO and Christopher H. Lee (Shari) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Justen Lee (Lori) of Pueblo, CO; Christopher A. Lee (Mary Z.) of Thatcher; David Lee III (Lacey) of Columbus, OH; and Rachel Lee of San Antonio, TX; and great-grandchildren Jaylen Lee and Justice Lee of Pueblo, CO. Ted was known for his sense of humor, and he loved to trade cowboy stories and jokes. He was a dedicated and loyal friend to many. His honesty and work ethic left a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center, with Bishop Ron Howard officiating. Viewing will be one hour prior to services at the Stake Center. Interment will be in the Thatcher Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.