Vernon "Freck" Lee, III, 82, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family on May 17, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer.

Freck dedicated his life to being a public servant for the City of Huntsville. Attempting to start his career in 1961 with the Huntsville Police Department, he was forced to resign 2 weeks after being hired when City officials were made aware that he was 20 years old, a year younger than the legal age of employment. In 1962 he joined Huntsville Fire and Rescue as a Firefighter, eventually rising to the rank of Driver-Engineer where he served until retiring in 1989. He was so passionate about his service to the department that he returned a short time later to become a Fire Supply Clerk marking a combined 62 years of service.

Mr. Lee is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 63 years, Donna Lee; Daughter, Sarah Lee Mullins; Grandchildren, Keith Casteel (Andrea); Tara Sloan (David), and Kyle Mullins (Tori); Great-Grandchildren Jax, Sawyer, and Caroline Casteel, and Savanna and Clint Sloan; Daughter-in-law, Annette Lee; Brother, Buck Hass and sister, Judy Tucker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by special Son-in-law, Breck Mullins; Son, Buddy Lee; Brothers, Thomas, Robert, and Phillip Lee; Sister, Marie Andrews; and parents, Vernon and Opal Lee.

Freck will be remembered as an incredible husband, father, papaw, brother, friend, and hero whose legacy will live on for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to their favorite charity.

Visitation will be at the Mayfair Church of Christ on Tuesday, May 21, beginning at 11:00 A.M., with a service following at 2:00 P.M. Burial will take place at Huntsville Memory Gardens.