Lee Phillips Conrad Sr.

In the sure and certain hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ, Lee Phillips Conrad, Sr. passed to life eternal on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016. A memorial service celebrating his life will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with The Rev. Matthew L. Miller presiding. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall after the service. Lee was born on November 11, 1932, to William Henry Conrad and Hattie Isabel Hege Conrad of Lexington, North Carolina. He was the ninth of twelve children in a closely knit family. In 1951, he graduated from Lexington Senior High School. He served his country in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in LaRochelle, France, in the Quarter Master Service (223rd). When he returned home from active duty, Lee began his career as a Manager with The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P). His tenure with A&P lasted over 44 years. In March of 1958, he married the love of his life, Pauletta Smith. Lee was a faithful member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lexington where he served in numerous capacities including the Church Council, Property Committee and the First Lutheran Seniors. Lee had a special appreciation for animals and the outdoors. He was an avid fan of baseball and Carolina athletics. He had a firm handshake, a friendly, easy going disposition, and was always whistling a happy tune. One of his greatest joys in life was serving as “Papa” to his children and grandchildren. He took great joy in all of their activities. Lee is survived by his wife Pauletta to whom he was married for 58 years; his son Lee Conrad, Jr. and wife, Lori; his daughter, Laura Turlington and husband, Greg, all of Lexington and his grandchildren, Will Conrad, Kara Conrad, Seth Turlington, and Ava Turlington; his brother, Max Conrad, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; sisters Pegge Swicegood, and Barbara Ann Owen of Lexington, and Jane Palmer of Socastee, South Carolina; and, a host of loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Susan Conrad; brothers, Virgil Conrad, Lawrence Conrad, Jim Conrad and Bruce Conrad and sisters Martha Conrad, Margaret Hendrix and Hazel Wilhoit. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to First Lutheran Church.