Mr. James C. Lee

James Clifton Lee affectionally known as “Burnside” was born December 18, 1953, to Estella Mae Franklin Parker and Verlen Burnside, in Forrest City, Arkansas. He confessed his faith in Christ early in life and later joined New Bethel Church of God in Christ, first under Superintendent Alexander Dean where he was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and continued serving under the leadership of Pastor Reggie Davis. He served as president of the deacon board and managed the church's finances with the finance team. He loved his church deeply, always responding to calls and making himself available for God's work. He graduated from Forrest City High School in 1971. He started his first job at Kentucky Fried Chicken at the age of 14 and has worked continuously since then. He has been employed by Yale Hoist Manufacturing, Sanyo Manufacturing Corporation, Boar's Head Provision Company, Inc., and is currently working at Arisa Health. Burnside, also known as “Burn”, “SugarDropper” or “Sweet Burn”, was devoted to his grandchildren, always present for their milestones and offering support. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, infectious laughter, and making everyone feel loved. He enjoyed hanging at the shop, talking with the guys, fixing cars, and cutting grass. He was preceded in death by his parents, Estella Mae Franklin Parker and Verlen Burnside; and his siblings, Lee King and Mark King. James Clifton Lee passed away on April 17, 2025, at Forrest City Medical Center. He is survived by his children: Umeiki Deere (Carols Terrell) of Woodstock, GA; James Lee, Jr. of Forrest City, AR; Brandy Miller (Marcus) of Lawrenceville, GA; Lashunda L. Lee of Forrest City, AR; grandchildren: Jaqualyn Lattimore, Omari Lattimore of Forrest City, AR; Aaliyah Deere of Woodstock, GA; Kendarious Oliver of Forrest City, AR; Kendall Miller, Marcus Miller, Jr. of Lawrenceville, GA; Jamariya Lee, Chantler Dale of Forrest City, AR; great granddaughter: Jakyra Smith of Jonesboro, AR; siblings: Verle Lee (Loretta), Derek Burnside, Jackie White (Danyell), Catherine Smith (Kelvin), Marquetta Oakley (Rodmetrice) all of Forrest City, AR; James Burnside (Patrice) of Little Rock, AR; Shenita Rogers (David) of Marion, AR; Freddie Black of Dallas, TX; one special friend: Sherry Smith of Forrest City, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, his church family, other relatives, and friends.

Mr. James C. Lee

December 18, 1953 - April 17, 2025