Howard Lee Holbert Jr. passed away in Terrell, on Jan 26, 2022. Known as Lee, he was born in Waco, Nov. 12, 1946.

He was diagnosed with cancer in December 2021 and escaped its ravages on Jan. 26, 2022.

He was a Boy Scout and achieved Order of the Arrow status. Lee served in the Navy on board three different ships and was in Viet Nam. Lee was passionate about many issues including the environment, equality of the races, women’s rights, (he was Parliamentarian of the first chapter of NOW in Nacogdoches in the 70’s) and LGBTQ rights. Lee graduated from Stephen F. Austin and received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration there.

Lee was a generous, loving and compassionate human being. He ran the adult education program W.I.N.G.S through the Terrell library, served as treasurer for the Terrell MLK Foundation as well as Treasurer for the VSC of Terrell State Hospital. The MLK Celebration of Terrell recently had honored Lee with their Organization of Service Award. He served, volunteered and mentored. He was deeply involved in politics, national and local.

He is survived by his siblings and their respective families: Karen Jones of Terrell, Jim Holbert of Dallas, and John Holbert of Round Rock. He is also survived by his granddaughters Ally and Ashley of Nacogdoches.

If you would like to honor Lee, please consider a donation to W.I.N.G.S education program through the Riter C. Hulsey Library at 301 N. Rockwall, Terrell, TX 75160 or MLK Celebration of Terrell at PO Box 1872, Terrell, TX 75160.