Ralph E. Lee

Ralph Edward “Bono” Lee, 74, of Bono, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Born in Alicia, Ralph lived most of his life in Bono. He was the first full time Mayor of Bono, serving as Mayor for 14 years. Along with other city activities, Ralph devoted over 30 years of service to Bono. He supported and coached Bono youth baseball and American Legion ball teams for several years, organizing and managing funds through the concession operations.

Ralph was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, and was a member of the
USS W.A. Mann Association. He was a life member and Past Commander of Pickett Post #21 of the American Legion and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a past president of Northeast Arkansas Trades and Labor Council, and a member of United Steelworkers of America. He was retired from Crane Company in Jonesboro.

He was a past president of the Craighead County Democratic Party and served on the Advisory Council of the Municipal League of Arkansas. He was a Boy Scout Leader, a St. Jude’s Hospital volunteer, and was of the Baptist belief. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joe “Buddy” and Ada Davis Lee, by 4 brothers and 1 sister.

Survivors include:

His wife: Jean Lee of the home;
1 Son: Michael Lee of Bono;

2 Daughters and Sons-in-law: Karen and Michael Monroe of Portsmouth, Virginia, and
Teresa and Cary Brown of Cash;

5 Grandchildren: Elizabeth Lee of Virginia,
Sean Lee of California,
Shana Brown and Jamie Brown, both of Cash, and
Caitlyn Lee of Bono; and

1 Great Granddaughter: Kira Lee of California.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Chris George and Gary Henderson officiating. Burial will be private.

Active pallbearers include: Leroy McQuay, Tommy Lee, Jerry Sullins, Frank Cline,
Billy Stephens and Leon Hamilton.

Honorary pallbearers include: L.M. Duncan, members of the Bono Police Department, City of Bono employees, members of Bono City Council, Pickett Post #21 members, James Redding, Donald Pyle, past employees of Crane Company, members of USS W.A. Mann Association, Dr. William Hurst and nursing staff of St. Bernards Medical Center.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 5-8, at Emerson Funeral Home Chapel.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to St. Jude’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the American Legion Honor Guard, 3414 Dan Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401