Johnny Wade Lee April 13, 1943 – April 26, 2025

Johnny Wade Lee of Angleton, Texas passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, in Galveston, Texas, surrounded by family and the ocean he loved to fish throughout his life.

Born April 13, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to John Henry Lee and Jesse Christine Lee (Smith) of Denton, Johnny lived a life full of independence, passion, and deep love for his family especially the grandkids and the simple joys that made him who he was. A proud graduate of Denton High School, Johnnie served his country in the United States Navy and later worked as a firefighter in Denton during the early 1960s.

Johnny went on to have a long career at Dow Chemical, where he specialized in pipeline safety using infrared technology. Even in retirement, he couldn't sit still, taking on a job as a security guard, a testament to his unwavering work ethic and restless spirit.

On April 12, 1997, he married the love of his life, Beverly Strayer, in Angleton. Together, they shared a life filled with love and laughter. Johnny was a man of many passions — an avid fisherman who didn't mind if the fish weren't biting, a devoted bowler, a gambler at heart, a DJ back in the day, and a lover of ketchup (and we do mean obsessed). He did things his own way — stubborn, independent, and always on his own terms. He did what he wanted, when he wanted.

Above all, he was a family man who loved deeply. He is survived by his daughters Patty Rose (and husband Marvin) of Valley View, and Kelley Gonzales (and spouse Tom Berlin) of Hubbard; stepson Nicholas Strayer; and stepdaughters Elspheth Pomponio and Fiona Strayer of Angleton. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, Josephine.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly and his parents, John and Jesse Lee.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2nd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home in Denton, TX. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3rd at Swisher Cemetery in Lake Dallas, TX.

Johnny Wade Lee was a lover, not a fighter — a true original who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.