On the beautiful, sunny afternoon of Saturday, March 31, 2018, Edward Lee Autry, Sr., 86, of Sumner, went peacefully to his heavenly home with his family surrounding him with love. He had suffered with declining health for several years. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Wright’s Chapel Baptist Church with interment following at Paulk’s Chapel Church Cemetery. Pastor Gordon Poole and Pastor Bill Goff officiated.
Lee was born January 31, 1932, in Raleigh NC to the late David and Margie Hardie Autry. He was blessed to be one of 10 siblings. He was a member of Wright’s Chapel Baptist Church. Lee served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in the European field. He was an outdoor man who loved working in flower and vegetable gardens, cutting grass and fishing. Nothing pleased him more than having his family around for a visit. He was such a sweet, soft spoken man who never had a harsh word for anyone. He was a skilled electrician, working his trade up and down the East Coast. He mentored many of his family in the trade including his sons, Jeff Autry, Ed Autry, Jr., the late Larry Parrish; and grandsons, Jason Parrish, Jarvis Parrish and Justin Parrish. Lee and Janice Autry enjoyed 39 years of marriage. They met when Lee moved to Lee County and they were introduced by a friend. They came together with their children and combined their families. They were soul mates whose love for each other was obvious in little ways like a pat on the knee, a smile, or a shared laugh. They liked traveling and camping together, visiting many State Parks all across the United States and Canada. They loved returning to Myrtle Beach, SC for family reunions. It was the simple things in life that meant the most to them.
Survivors include his daughters, Janet Parrish Willis (Tony) of Sumner and Sherry Autry Smith of New Kensington, PA; sons, Ed Autry, Jr. (Carol) of Clayton, NC, Albert Autry (Marlene) of Ashville, NC, Jeff Autry (Robin) of Richmond, VA and Dale Parrish (Krysta)of Loris, SC; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Willis Parrish of Sylvester, sister, Thelma Autry Wall of Newport News VA; 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren along with a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members. Lee also has an “adopted daughter”, Brenda Odom of Macon, GA, that he loved very much.
Lee was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Davis Parrish Autry on May 6, 2015; daughter, Gloria Autry Ward; son, Larry David Parrish; grandson, Ray Autry; and 6 sisters and 3 brothers. Pallbearers included Melvin Walker, John Walker, Mike Jamison, Bill Smith, Duck Bozeman, Jackie Saunders and Craig Autry.
Please sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com. Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of arrangements.