Lee Robert Russell Sr.

November 22, 1940 - January 26, 2019

Lee Robert Russell Sr, known to many as “Big Lee” and “Papa”, of Calimesa, Ca passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2019 at the age of 78. Lee was born in Los Angeles, Ca on November 22,1940 to Emerson and Marvel Russell. He attended Baldwin Park High School, and at the age of 17 began to pursue a career in the automotive industry. He went on to own and operate a successful truck tire repair business until his retirement in 2005. November 30, 1960, he married Peggy Lee Barrett. Together, they had five children and were married for 58 years. Lee loved watching football and baseball with his beloved dogs Maggie and Lily on his lap, reading, and camping with his wife and friends. Recently, he enjoyed participating in activities in his senior community. He also enjoyed spending time with family, always telling jokes and making everyone laugh.His family and friends will miss his sense of humor, quick wit, and stubborn nature. He was so loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Lee is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Russell; daughters, Terri Hornsby, Cheri Barkley, and Debbie Welch; sons, Lee jr.(little lee) and Ryan Russell; 12 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren with 1 more on the way. Lee is also survived by his 2 sisters, Phyllis Morrison and Janice Johnson. Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Marvel Russell. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Sharondale Community Clubhouse located at 9525 Sharon Way, Calimesa, Ca 92320 on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 1pm. His final resting place will be at Desert Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Calimesa,Ca Family and friends may offer condolences and share memories online at desertlawnfuneralhomeandmemorialpark.com.