Wayne Lee, Jr.

Thomas Wayne Lee, Jr., passed away at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born on May 26, 1934, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Thomas Wayne Lee, Sr. and Odelle Smith Lee. Wayne graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi, in 1953. He continued his education at Hinds Community College, graduating in 1955, and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Delta State University in 1957. Wayne's dedication to education continued with graduate studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his doctoral degree in 1969.

From 1957 to 1959, Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Baumholder, Germany, where he also played on the Army basketball team.

A devoted educator and coach, Wayne spent decades shaping young minds and athletes. He taught Biology and coached men’s and women’s basketball and track at Clinton High School, Anguilla High School, and Belzoni High School. He later served as a professor at Southeastern Louisiana University from 1970 until 2000, followed by Delta State University from 2000 to 2014.

Basketball was a defining part of his life. When he was not teaching, he was coaching or playing the game he loved. He played forward at both Delta State University and Hinds Community College. His legacy in the sport was honored with his induction into the Delta State University Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Hinds Community College Hall of Fame in 1995.

Above all, Wayne was a loving father and grandfather. The time he spent with loved ones was cherished deeply, and it brought him endless joy. These were the memories Wayne held most dear.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Betty Elaine; his sister, Mary Evelyn; his brother, Jimmy ; and his former wife, Molly Ellis Lee, whom he married in 1957.

He is survived by his brother, Bobby Lee; his daughter, Terri Lee; and his son, Bradley Wayne Lee and wife Lisa. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Kasey Hoffman and husband Jason, Kelley Neal and wife Jessica, Savannah Lee, and Jackson Lee; and great-grandchildren, Ryder Hoffman, Colt Hoffman, Piper Neal, and River Neal.

Wayne will be remembered as a dedicated educator, an accomplished coach, a proud veteran, and a man whose impact reached far beyond the classroom and the basketball court.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 100 W. Magnolia St., Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 11:00 am until the Celebration of Life Service begins at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.