Bobby Wayne Lee was born May 1, 1934, on a farm close to the banks of the Arkansas River, near the town of Leonard, OK.  When Bob was 5, the family moved to Ellington, MO for his father to operate a stave mill for the sheriff of Reynolds County.  Growing up in Ellington, Bob spent most of his time hunting, fishing, and swimming in the creek nearby.  Bob would always reminisce about his time growing up in Ellington and reflect how they were some of the most joyful times in his life. 

At 13, his family moved from Ellington to Gentry, AR.  He attended Gentry High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and boxing and according to him, he was the stud of the team.  Bob graduated from Gentry High School in 1953 and married his wife of 69 years, Barbara Jean Eldridge, on September 1, 1953.  Bob and Barbara had 2 children, Teresa and Tony Wayne Lee.

Bob spent his life working in the timber business. owning and operating saw and stave mills like his father.  After retiring from the stave business, he went on to work for American Walnut Company as a log buyer.  Bob enjoyed spending time in the woods and nature.  He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening until he was physically unable.  His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends, and he was always thrilled to be the center of attention.

His lifelong passion was the Lord and the church.  Bob was baptized into the church of Christ at a young age and continued to study and grow his faith throughout his life.  In life, he was active in the church, teaching bible study and preaching as needed.  He loved teaching the Bible and took every opportunity to lead others to Christ.  He remained faithful until his death on November 8, 2022. 

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Elizabeth Lee and father, Arthur Alexander Lee of Arkansas, his 3 siblings, Mozelle Buffington of Centralia, MO, Carl Lee of Rogers, AR, and Barbara Cunningham of Lubbock, TX, and his son Tony Wayne Lee of Tightwad, MO.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Jean Lee of Grain Valley, MO, daughter, Teresa Lee of Colorado Springs, CO daughter-in-law Becky Lee of Tightwad, MO, grandchildren, Amber Lee of Grain Valley, MO, Justin Lee of Kansas City, MO, Andrea Strouse (Casey) of Clinton, MO, Patrick Wagner (Brittney) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Jordan Wagner of Lee’s Summit, MO, 4 great grandchildren, Kyan and Zayden Lee-Scheer of Grain Valley, MO and Ava Steward and Blaine Strouse of Clinton, MO as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441