WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - On Saturday, January 15, 2022, Ernest Laverne Lee entered into eternal rest.  Ernest was born October 9, 1953 to the late Earnest E. Lee and Lucille C. Lee in Newport News, Virginia.

After serving in the U.S. Army for over 20 years, he enjoyed being a free spirit.  He loved the great outdoors and always succeeded in turning any regular trip into an adventure.  His carefree demeanor led to unplanned cross-country trips, random animal encounters, speeding down I-95 just to enjoy the ride, and more.  Ernest loved his family and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren.  His longtime friend, Julia Eastwood, never had a dull moment with him around.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Lucille Lee; sisters, Shirley Lee Jones, Lunell Devita Vanae Barber; and brother, Tyrone V. Lee.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his children, Ernesto Lee (Kimberly) of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Cedric L. Lee of Pueblo, CO, and Candace S. Lyons (James) of Woodbridge, VA; two sisters, Armeke Smith (Otis) and Letress Wooden (Jimmy); aunts, Minnie Purdue (Peter) and Nancy Davenport; sister-in-law, Donzella Lee; grandchildren, Khalil Lyons, Denae Encina, Jordan Lee, Khaila Lyons, Eva Aragon, Khyla Lyons, Madison Lee, and Caesar Lee; a great-grandson Efraim Encina; girlfriend, Julia Eastwood; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 with Full Military Honors.  Condolences may be sent to O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.