Harrison Lee Neely Jr., known by family and friends as Lee, died peacefully at his residence in Mansfield, Texas, April 27, 2016. He was born in Centralia, Wash., July 6, 1965, attended schools there and graduated from Centralia High School in 1983. Lee was married to Stephanie Diane Blanchard and welcomed two daughters, Hannah Nicole and Sarah Danae, who live in College Station, Texas.
Lee was born with a drive and determination, which was apparent at an early age. He was hired by The Chronicle, when he was nine years old and was their youngest newspaper carrier at that time. Perhaps this job was a sign of things to come for Lee, as he went on to achieve great success in the newspaper business. While in Centralia, He worked for Don Anderson’s Small Engine Repair, Kaija’s and Cascade Loggers Supply. He also competed in local destruction derbies, winning several trophies.
He wanted to see the world, so he traveled to Texas and never left. He worked at Moduline Industries and then was hired by The Dallas Morning News, as a truck mechanic. Lee loved the newspaper business and through hard work and dedication, he climbed through the ranks and was ultimately promoted to the position of Regional Manager of Circulation for The Dallas Morning News. In 2004, Lee left The Dallas Morning News to accept the position of Deputy Director of Circulation for The Eagle in Bryant, Texas. He also went back to school and earned his bachelor of science in business administration and management, from Colorado Technical University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in February 2006. In August 2006, Lee was promoted to Circulation Director for The Eagle.
While Lee had great passion for his work, his greatest love was his family and his greatest joy was being a dad. He would be the first to tell you that his daughters, Hannah and Sarah, were the loves of his life. Lee loved fishing with his girls and was always as excited as they were when they reeled in the big one. He was also passionate about football, fishing, cars and his pets, but not necessarily in that order. It all depended on how well the Cowboys or Cougars were playing on any given weekend. Win or lose, he was always a loyal fan.
Lee was preceded in death by his father, Harrison Lee Neely, Sr.
He is survived by his two daughters, Hannah and Sarah; mother, Carol Lee (Neely) Rickard; sister, Lisa (Ron) Doyon; niece, Reagan LaurelAnn Doyon; aunt, Peggy Ann (John) Hooley; stepsister, Catherine Rickard and family; stepbrother, William "Bo"(Lynn) Rickard and family; as well as numerous cousins and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., June 4, 2016 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Chehalis, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Timothy’s Mobile Ministry-Meals to the homeless or the Lewis County Animal Shelter.
Lee will be missed and will always be remembered by all who knew him for his infectious laugh, his bright smile and his kindness to all those around him.
