Lee McLemore

1915 - 2008  (93 years)

• Name	Lee McLemore
  Birth	6 Jun 1915	Hickman County, Tennessee
  Gender	Male
  Death	6 Nov 2008	Houston, Harris County, Texas
  Burial	Woodlawn Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas
  Notes	Lee McLemore Houston Chronicle Saturday, November 8, 2008 Houston's first City Councilman Emeritus, Lee McLemore, 93, passed away on the Nov. 6, 2008. He was one of Houston's most dedicated and energetic citizens for civic and political service. Lee lived and worked by his creed: "There is a destiny that makes us brothers. No one goes his way alone. All we cast into the lives of others come back into our own." Lee was born June 6, 1915, in the foothills of Hickman County, Tenn. When he was 3 years old his family moved to Nashville where he attended public school through to seventh-grade. His education was halted when his family moved to Kansas City, Mo., for his mother's health. Shortly thereafter, his mother died and it was necessary for him to seek employment. At the age of 15, having a knack for art and lettering, Lee became a commercial artist. Three years later, while working for the theatres, he met Walt Disney, who admired his drawings of Mickey Mouse and other cartoons. Walt Disney offered him a position in his California Studio. With the letter of employment in his hand and his sign kit, he headed for California. It was the Feb. 17, 1936, and the ice and snow made the traveling unbearable. It was in Dallas, Texas, where he searched for a warmer route to California. Someone suggested that he go south on Highway 75 to Houston, Texas. He had never heard of Houston, but took the advice. The next day was shinning bright and all the Houstonians he met were friendly. Out of funds, and quite taken with his welcoming town, Lee delayed his journey and quickly found a job. Houston had a new and energetic citizen. In 1939 he established his own company. The Houston Kolor-Ad Co. was born, where Lee sold signs and displays. In 1941, as a private pilot, he was charter member of the Gulf Coast Flying Club. The Club later became a wing of the Houston Civil Air Patrol. In 1942 he entered the Army Air Force and served as a public relations photographer under Gen. Doolittle's command on Okinawa. Returning to Houston in 1945, Lee started real estate development business and continued with his civic work. He became a member of the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1940 and served in many capacities, including director, secretary, and president. In 1950 he was voted "Houston's Outstanding Young Man" by the Houston Chamber of Commerce. In 1951 Texas Governor Allen Shivers named him one of "the Five Outstanding Young Texans." The year 1952, brought a new challenge for Lee. A group of Houston businessmen urged him to run for Houston City Council. With their support, he was elected to District "C" with a large majority. He was re-elected as city councilman for 10 consecutive terms from 1952 to 1972. During his 20 years of service as councilman to the City of Houston, Lee served as Mayor Pro-Tem, serving under four mayors: Oscar Holcome, Roy Hofheinz, Lewis Cutrer and Louie Welch. He was elected secretary and then president to the Houston-Galveston Area Council, serving 11 counties, and he chaired many committees including aviation (during his term the Bush Intercontinental Airport was built). Early in his career as Mayor Pro-Tem McLemore flew to Kansas to invite Bernard Calkins to bring his air-condition business to Houston. He also spearheaded the effort through the State Capitol to create what is known as Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston, and the Wallaceville Reservoir. The City record will also show his ongoing support for the beautification of Buffalo Bayou. He was instrumental in naming Allen Parkway for the founders of our city. Lee was awarded a lifetime membership to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and was appointed Marshall for the Salt Grass trail ride for 11 consecutive years. Lee also gave his time as either a member or officer for the United Fund, Lighthouse for the Blind, Youth Fair Rodeo, Harris County Historical Society, American Legion Post 560 for 49 years, Mayor and Councilman Association, 147th fighter group, Houston Advertising Council, Boy Scout Advisory Council, and Charter member of the Big Brothers and Sisters Organization. He was also a board member of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, was a charter member and served of the Board of Beltway State Bank, and Advisory Director of Allied Beltway Bank and First Interstate Bank. Upon retiring in 1972, Mayor Louie Welch, and his city council members voted him "Houston's City Councilman Emeritus." In August 1999, 17 years after Lee retired, Mayor Kathy Whitmire and City Council voted a resolution commending Lee "on his dedication and commitments exhibited throughout his service to our community." For the last 35 years, Lee and Billie have divided their time in Texas, between Sugar Land and their Raven Ridge Ranch near Huntsville, and in the later years their lakeside home in Bentwater. Lee purchased the Huntsville property in 1948 and spent most of his weekends, for 52 years clearing and developing it himself. It was his true pride and joy! Lee and Billie also spent summers and Christmas holidays at their home in Pagosa Springs, Colo. They also enjoyed their membership at the downtown First United Methodist Church, The Sugar Creek Country Club, the Pagosa Springs Country Club, and the Bentwater Country Club. Lee was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Billie; son, Wayne; granddaughter, Kelly Tolar and husband Todd; great-grandchildren, Kendall and Will Tolar; niece, Charlis McLemore and family, Lori, Traci and Chuck, Chuck's wife Amy and children, Liam and Cassidy; nephew, Jimmie and wife Annie and daughter Elaine. A private graveside service will be conducted at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine in Houston. The memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following services, a reception will be held in the pavilion of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Randy Cook, William Franklin M.D., James H. Foster, Don Martenson, Jeffrey Robinson, Col. William Storm, Jack Threet and Bill Williams. For those desiring, memorial contributions in Lee's name may be made to the charity of one's choice. Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home
  Person ID	I10563	Strong Family Tree
  Last Modified	17 Aug 2014

  
  

  Family	Living
  Children	1. Living
  Family ID	F2862	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	14 Dec 2008

  
  

• Event Map		Birth - 6 Jun 1915 - Hickman County, Tennessee Death - 6 Nov 2008 - Houston, Harris County, Texas Burial - - Woodlawn Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas  = Link to Google Earth
  Pin Legend	: Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set