Taft Lee, Jr.

Taft Lee, Jr., 89, born on January 11, 1937, in Oklahoma City, OK, United States, passed away July 30, 2026. He resided in Ft. Worth, TX at the time of his passing at the Tuskegee Airmen Texas Veterans Home. Taft was born in Oklahoma City.  He had three brothers and two sisters. Taft went to Frederick Douglass High School. He played football, basketball, and ran track. His football team had a 43 game winning streak. Taft Lee, Jr. secured a scholarship to play basketball at University of Maryland.  This scholarship did not last as Taft stated, "They wanted me to just concentrate on basketball. I wanted to get an education. I made a decision to  leave." With no viable options, Taft decided to join the U.S. Army. This became an 8 year enlistment.  While on assignment in Paris, France, Taft met Doris Addison  who was also an active duty U.S. Army soldier who was also on assignment.  They fell in love and got married after 6 months where they had a son, Michael. After Michael was born, they decided to leave the military and go Stateside. Doris  completed 10 years in the U.S. Army. Two years later, David was born. Taft and Doris Lee went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration and eventually relocated to Los Angeles. They settled in Carson, CA. Doris retired after 40 years of service, Taft left earlier and retired from Hughes Aircraft. 

Taft Lee Jr was a committed family man who put family first. He attended every game his sons played from little league, through Junior College. He also coached little league. Taft was an avid tennis player who played tennis until he was in his 70's. He used to say he played with Arthur Ashe in L.A. and played tennis with Richard Williams. He once said that Richard Williams told everyone on the tennis courts that he was going to turn his two daughters into professional tennis players.

Taft was a strong supporter of all the kids in the neighborhood. He encouraged the kids to be great. He talked to them and heard them. He talked to everyone and he new everyone by name. He loved everyone.

He is survived by his son David Wayne Lee who is married to Tangela and has a daughter Kimora. Taft also has to granddaughters, Jordan and Alexis from his eldest son, who is deceased, Michael Taft Lee

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Long Beach, CA.