Raymond Lee

Raymond Lee, born on July 14, 1937, in Lott, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 12, 2026 surrounded by family. A man deeply rooted in the values of hard work, family devotion, and a love for the simpler things in life, Raymond’s life was a testament to those who cherish the land and the bonds that hold us together.

Raymond owned and operated Lee's Flee Market from 1979 to 2025, a venture that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and connection to community. More than a businessman, he was a devoted cattleman who found joy and purpose in tending to his cows and embracing the rhythms of farm life. His presence was a steady one in the lives of those he loved, consistently marked by his characteristic habit of having Fox News on in the background, whether fully engaged or simply comforted by its familiar sound.

A beloved father, Raymond leaves behind six children: daughters Joan Lee, Jean Moeller and her husband Luis, and Nora Chalue; sons Raymond Lee Jr., Keith Lee and his wife Jennifer; along with his daughter-in-law, Tammy Stanford. His legacy extends through a cherished family that includes his sisters Virginia Baxley, Mary Ruth Smelscer and her husband David. The joy of his life was further multiplied through his grandchildren Madeleine Castillo and her husband Jacob, Landon Voltin, Nicholas McCann, Melody McCann, Bethani Webre and her husband Kyle, Rachael Marek and her husband Michael, Regan Wenzel and her husband Dolph, Nicole Snow, Seth Roach and his wife Courtney, Sheila Horak and her husband Allen, Curtis Stanford, Briana Stanford and her fiancé Cole, as well as 14 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann Joiner Lee; his father, Roy Lee; his mother, Ethel Lee; his son John Stanford; the mother of his children, Marilyn Ejem, and brothers, James “Buster” Lee and Roy Lee Jr. Their memories live on within the family he nurtured and the community he served.

The family will honor Raymond’s memory with a visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on June 18, 2026, at Wharton Funeral Home, 515 E Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX. This will be followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 325 North East Avenue, Wharton, TX, continuing with a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park, 3511 East Alabama Road, Wharton, TX. Pallbearers are Matthew Hinze, Wyatt Hinze, Wesley Hinze, Seth Roach, Curtis Stanford, and Cole Koehler.

As we remember Raymond Lee, we hold close the image of a man whose life was one of care and steadfastness—a man who cherished his cattle as much as his family, and whose presence will be deeply missed but forever felt in the hearts of those who had the honor to know him. His legacy, built on love, dedication, and quiet strength, remains an enduring light for all who loved him.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.