Donald McKinley Lee's Obituary
Donald M. Lee peacefully departed this life on June 27th, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the comfort of his family. Donald was born on January 11th, 1960, in Fauquier, VA, to the late Marva Tyler and John Lee Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved brother, John Edward Lee Jr.
On May 21st, 1983, Donald married the love of his life, Leisa Lee. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family. From their blessed union, they raised three daughters: Joanie, Ashley, and Amber. Their home and hearts were always wide open, welcoming three extended daughters, Amy, Tanya, and Bianca, into their loving care.
Don was a man of remarkable dedication, strong will, and an unshakeable work ethic. Throughout his life, he provided faithfully for his family, working over the years at Culpeper Wood Preservers and Pepsi. He was most widely known and respected as a manager at Country Cookin, where he took great pride in his work and deeply treasured the lifelong relationships he built with his coworkers and community.
An energetic soul, Don loved to be out and about. He found great joy at the race track watching fast cars, playing cards, or simply finding a quiet moment to sit in his car and listen to good music. Above all else, Don’s greatest purpose and joy in life was caring for his family. He held a deep, abiding love for his siblings, and he especially cherished the close bonds he shared with his brothers. Don’s generous spirit and his habit of always extending a helping hand to anyone in need will be profoundly missed.
Don’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served with honor as a Deacon at White Oak Run Baptist Church and raised his voice in fellowship as a member of the male choir until his illness.
Don leaves a legacy of love to be cherished by his devoted wife, Leisa; his daughters, Joanie Lewis-Brown (Jermain), Ashley Cropp (Jermaine), and Amber Ware (Lawrence); and his extended daughters, Tanya Carpenter (Marcus), Bianca Richards (Tevin), and Amy Davis. His memory will also be deeply honored by his two "bonus sons," whom he loved, raised, and cherished as his own: his beloved nephew, Clyde Long, and his friend, Lee Glascock, as well as his cherished cousin, Ronnie Smith.
He is further survived by his twenty adored grandchildren and extended grandchildren: Sydney Brown, Sascha Brown, Dominic Sasso Jr., Genesis Lee, Jermaine Cropp Jr., Zora Brown, Ashton Cropp, Josiah Ware, Jasmine Davis, Jalayla Davis, Jaelynn Cooper, Tevin Richards Jr., Journee Carpenter, Trenton Richards, Joy Carpenter, Tegean Richards, Jewell Carpenter, and Tatum Richards. He also leaves behind his siblings, Gloria Long, Angie Tyler, Shawn Tyler (Angie), Aaron Tyler, Dana Tyler, and Dorice Mallory (Lawton), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other cherished family members and lifelong friends.
His legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. at White Oak Run Baptist Church, 7415 White Oak Road, Rapidan, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
The family invites those unable to attend to view via livestream link https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/R6P5JV.
Interment will be held privately.
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