Gordon Tilghman Lee

Gordon Tilghman Lee, age 82 of Axson, Ga., passed away peacefully after several years of illness, on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia. Gordon was born on March 17, 1938 in Farmville, NC where he was raised. He attended Farmville High School, Oak Ridge Military Institute, Florida Southern, and proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard.

Gordon was proud to follow in his father’s footsteps in the tobacco business after serving in the Coast Guard. He retired from Export Leaf Tobacco Company after working with them for 35 years as a tobacco buyer. He was also a former Shriner and member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry.

Gordon enjoyed playing golf, fishing and traveling, but his most treasured times were spent with his large family, whom he loved with all his heart.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Edward Lee and Edith Norville Lee; and children, Deborah Lee Heath and Vincent Edward Lee. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years, Jovanna Giddens Lee; children, Gordon Tilghman "Buddy" Lee Jr., Diane Lee Garris (Ricky), Richard Christopher Lee (Julie) and Regina Lee Lott (Ron); 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Edith Lee Braudwell (David); special sister-in-law Lila Giddens White; special friend, Aldine Hart of Moultrie, Ga.  Several nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Lee were held Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Farmville Funeral Home in Farmville, NC, with Mr. Lee's nephew, David White officiating.  Eulogy was presented by his son, Christopher Lee along with a special musical selection, "How Great Thou Art" rendered by Mr. Lee's granddaughters, Mary Beth and Allison Heath.

The internment followed in Hollywood Cemetery with Military Honors rendered.

Serving as active pallbearers were; Buddy Lee, Jr., Christopher Lee, Brandon Lee, Shelton Wester, David White and Maxwell White.

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. along with Farmville Funeral Home in Farmville, N.C. were in charge of the arrangements.