Lee Jamerson Vanderford died suddenly at home near Marianna, Arkansas on Tuesday, August 24 from a pulmonary embolism.  He was 65 years old. Lee was a loving father, an adoring son, a trusting brother and a committed friend.  He grew up in Hughes, Arkansas, graduated from Lee Academy where he played football and basketball, and attended Arkansas State University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.  He spent his early adult years farming in Haynes, Arkansas before opening Vanderford's Automotive in 1985 when he became a master welder. Lee was a former deputy of the Lee County Sheriff's Department. He was well known as an outdoorsman and his favorite times were spent on the lake, on the backroads and in the woods.  Lee was a proficient bow hunter, primitive rifle marksman, gunsmith, motorcyclist, and target shot.  He was first in his deputy training class in both academics and marksmanship.  More recently he enjoyed night vision game watching.  He was a master BBQ chef who especially enjoyed smoking in the king size grills he designed and made himself.

Lee is survived by his mother, Evelynn Vanderford, who now resides in Signal Mountain, Tennessee; his daughter Renee Vanderford Golzar of Chicago, Illinois and her husband Jaafer Golzar; his son Philip Thomas Vanderford of Dallas, Texas and his husband Chase DeVasier; his sister Lynn Vanderford Schmissrauter of Signal Mountain, Tennessee and her husband Joey; granddaughter Ariana Golzar and grandson Yusef Golzar of Chicago; niece Shelley Schmissrauter Kay (Chris); great nephews Maddox and Grayson Kay; and nephews Joseph Schmissrauter IV and Steven Schmissrauter of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Lee's father, L.E. Vanderford, predeceased him.

Lee was known in his community as a helpful person who was not afraid to speak his mind.  He had a very deep belief in Jesus Christ and often spoke to customers about his faith – but did not hesitate to speak without restraint about his political positions also!  He had a big heart, and people in his community knew him to be genuine and ready to help.  Lee was keenly proud of his children and was accepting and supportive of their relationships and endeavors, and proud of their successes. He adored his mother, who he called every night.  He always had a "Lee-ism", telling stories with great embellishment and humor and bringing levity to all situations with a quip, a song or a nickname.  If he told a story, his family and friends always knew how to use the "Lee factor" – divide by seven - to find the truth. Lee will be deeply missed by his family and friends who will surely keep his memory alive in colorful stories and tall tales.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Marianna on Friday, August 27 at 11:00 am.  The family will receive visitors at the church at 9:30 am.  Memorials may be sent to The Nature Conservancy (nature.com) or The Nature Conservancy ATTN: Treasury   4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100    Arlington, VA 22303-1606