Richard Lee Whitley

Richard Lee Whitley, known to many as Lee, passed away on October 23, 2026, at the age of 72. He was born on March 17, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, to Richard Whitley and Frances Lemmond.

Lee married the love of his life, Paula Gail Bullion, on February 27, 1984. Together, they built a life and raised their family, living in Truscott, Texas, before eventually making their home in Lubbock. Lee worked in dirt and paving construction for many years before retiring in 2014. Outside of work, Lee enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Whitley and Frances “Fran” Fox; his sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Donald Miller; and his nephew, Donald Lee Miller.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Whitley of Lubbock; his sisters, Debra Sue Whitley of Austin and Pamela Ann Whitley of Shallowater; his daughters and sons-in-law, Crystal and Shannon Zant of Lubbock and Jenifer and Jeremy Christensen of Oklahoma City; and his son, Joshua Whitley of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Lee was a proud PawPaw to Anna and her husband, Colby Banta, of Oklahoma City; Jaxxon and his wife, Avery Zant, of Lubbock; Maddox and her husband, Kyler Carson, of Wylie; and Noah and Maya Christensen of Oklahoma City. His family continued to grow with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, River and Rosie Banta of Oklahoma City, who carry his legacy into another generation.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest at Truscott Cemetery, returning to the community that was once home to him and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Cottages at Quail Creek Memory Care in Amarillo, Texas, or to a charity of your choice.