Jerry Lee

Funeral Services for Jerry Lee, 85, of Jefferson, Texas will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00am in the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, Texas with Rev. Ron Danley officiating and under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home. Internment will immediately follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Jefferson, Texas. A time of visitation will be held an hour prior to service from 10:00 to 11:00am in the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, Texas.

Jerry Lynn Lee, known to many as “Coach Lee”, passed away on Tuesday March 18, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born June 15, 1939, in Jefferson, Texas, to his parents Margin D. and Audrey Mae (Jones) Lee.  He spent his life building relationships with students, athletes, his family, and most importantly, his Heavenly Father. 

Jerry graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957 and then attended Panola Junior College in Carthage, Texas for two years on a baseball scholarship. Upon completion of his time at Panola, he transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. During his time at SFA, not only was he active in several organizations, but he also met a young lady who would ultimately become his better half for many years to follow. In December 1961, Jerry graduated from Stephen F. Austin and began a career in Education which would span the next 40 years of his life.  

On July 22, 1961, Jerry and the young lady he had met at SFA, Sandra Jean Putman of Marshall Texas, made a commitment to each other in marriage, which they upheld for more than 63 years. Their marriage was built on an unwavering love for each other, but most importantly, it was a marriage that was built on their Christian faith. In the Spring of 1962, he began his teaching career in Levelland, Texas, before accepting a job in Channelview, Texas that fall.  After eight years in Channelview, he and Sandra made the move back to his hometown of Jefferson, where he would spend the next 30 plus years becoming known as “Coach Lee.”  He was very proud to put the maroon and white back on, and the crowning moment of his career occurred in the Fall of 1986 as the Bulldogs captured the State 3A Football Championship. Sports was a big part of his life as he loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns, but it was always very evident the Jefferson Bulldogs were his first love.  

Upon retirement, he spent his time following the coaching careers of his two sons, as well as attending the numerous sporting events that his beloved grandsons participated in. He was their biggest fan, and the unique whistling sound that he made each time, signified that “Pops” had arrived.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his In-Laws, Frank and Pauline Putman. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra Lee of Jefferson, their two sons Mike Lee and wife Kelly, and Jeff Lee and wife Gaylynn all of Longview, Texas. He was the proud “Pops” of four Grandsons and two Great Grandsons. Those left to carry on his name include Landry Lee and wife Kenzie of Hillsboro, Texas, Peyton Lee of Nacogdoches, Texas, Jantzen Lee of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Ryan Lee and wife Erin of Plano, Texas.  He was also very proud to be the Great Grandfather of Witten Scott Lee and Troy Michael Lee of Hillsboro, Texas.  

Jerry was not only devoted to his family, but he spent a lifetime living a Christian life that was very evident to anyone who crossed his path.  He was a very kind and gentle-spirited man who would do anything for anyone. He was very active in church serving in numerous capacities throughout the years, as well as being a member of the Gideons International for many years. His love for Jesus was the center point of his life and he was committed to displaying that love in his everyday walk. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, Texas, 523 N Polk St, Jefferson, TX 75657 or to Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org/donate

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