Lewis "Bud" Lee, 95, formerly of Williamsburg, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019. Born in Waycross, GA, Bud grew up during the Great Depression.  One of six brothers, all of whom served in World War II, he joined the Navy in 1942 and was dispatched with the Marines as a Pharmacist's Mate to the Pacific Theater.  He saw combat during the Battles of Saipan and Tinian, and would have fought in the Battle of Okinawa had his troop ship not been struck by a Japanese Kamikaze pilot, sending the survivors of the attack back to the states for the duration.

Following the war, he graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Geology. He joined Aeronautical Chart and Information Center, later known as the Defense Mapping Agency in Washington D.C.  He was called back into military service during the Korean War and assigned to Bethesda Naval Hospital. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to his civilian position at DMA, ultimately rising to the highest level a civilian could achieve in the Department of Defense without a presidential appointment. After retiring from public service, he worked in private industry for TASC, a Northern Virginia consulting firm.

In 1952 Bud married Evelyn Bouterse, and they raised two children. During the course of their lives together, Bud and Evelyn made their home in Chevy Chase, MD; Belleville, IL; Falls Church, VA; and Williamsburg in retirement.

Bud enjoyed traveling, gardening, golf, and his service with the "Tool Guys" of Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Smart, kind, reserved and polite, Bud was the epitome of a gentleman. His strong work ethic, integrity and love of family exemplified the true character of this member of the Greatest Generation. His life was one of unhesitating service to his family, his church, his community and his country.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Evelyn; son Tim Lee of Houston, TX, daughter and son-in-law Kathy and David Rogers of Hampton; grandchildren Wesley Rogers of Suffolk and Emma Rogers of Denver, CO.

Visitation will be Friday, March 22 at 1:00 at R. Hayden Smith funeral home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23669 with a memorial service in the chapel at 2:00. Inurnment in Parklawn Cemetery, 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666 will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bud's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.