LeRoy J. "Lee" Lambright

Lee Lambright
Easley, SC

LeRoy J "Lee" Lambright, 78, of Easley, South Carolina passed away Saturday (July 14, 2018) at the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, SC after bravely fighting cancer for the past year and half.

The son of Jacob & Alma Lambright, Lee was born on October 8, 1939 in Topeka, Indiana into a family rich with Amish heritage. On May 31, 1959, Lee & Georgia were united in marriage in Shipshewana, Indiana.

Lee is survived by his wife, Georgia and three children: Natalie (Paul) Szakacs of Franklin, Tennessee; Greg (Theresa) Lambright of Leesburg, Indiana; Tony (Belinda) Lambright of Easley, SC. Eight grandchildren: Dustan (Ashlee) Menz, Jordan Menz, Nicolette (Chris) Ray, Mallory (Brad) Roberts, Adam (Lauren) Lambright, Austin (MacKenzie) Lambright, Jacob Lambright, and Parker (fiancé Sydney) Lambright. Nine great grandchildren: Amelia Menz, Ella Menz, Charlie Ray, Logan, Luke & Landon Roberts, Kylan Gibson, Jaxon Lambright, and Mills Lambright.

Lee was one of 11 siblings. Surviving are Fritz Lambright, Mary Miller and Irene Slabaugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers: Amos, Floyd, Peter and Elmer Lambright; and 3 sisters: Mabel Beechy, Viola Lambright, and Edna Eash.

Lee was a 1958 graduate of Topeka High School in Topeka, Indiana. He was an outstanding athlete, setting a career county basketball scoring record of 1,257 points that stood until 1972. Lee was the Sports Editor at The Goshen News in Goshen, Indiana for 34 years. He was a highly respected sportswriter. His 3-times-weekly column "The Benchwarmer" provided sports fans with unique insights. He also covered Notre Dame football and basketball for many years. Lee & Georgia retired to South Carolina in 2000.

Lee received many awards and accolades during his tenure as a sportswriter, including: Indiana High School Athletic Association Distinguished Service Award for Media in 1986; Honorary referee for the 58th Annual Goshen Relays in 2000; Inducted to Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Lee enjoyed sports of all kinds and especially Notre Dame and Indiana University, riding his bike (often riding 15+ miles a day), woodworking, traveling, and the many friendships he developed over the years. But his greatest joy was time spent with his family. Lee was a proud Marine grandfather. In 1995 he accomplished a hole-in-one at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Millersburg, Indiana. Lee was a one-of-a-kind man: humble, kind, wise, respectful, hard-working, selfless, a true gentleman. The world & all who knew him are better because of Lee. He leaves a lifetime of sweet memories & life lessons that his family will carry all the days of their lives.

Lee was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and the Homemakers Bible Fellowship Class.

Receiving of friends will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. A Celebration of Lee's life will be held on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 2 pm. Both services will be at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, SC. Arrangements are being handled by Robinson Funeral Home (Powdersville Road) in Easley, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lee's honor to The Gideon's or Rock Springs Baptist Church Bethlehem's Blessing Ministry.

A memorial service will be held in Goshen, Indiana at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home - Powdersville Road which is assisting the family.