Wayman E. Lee, 74, a resident of South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 5:50 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2014, at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

He was born May 15, 1939, in Webster Springs, W.Va., to the late Charles and Vertie (Gregory) Lee. In 1956 he entered the U.S. Army and became a career Noncommissioned Officer rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He served in both the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division. His duty stations included two tours in Vietnam, Fort Campbell, Okinawa, Japan, Thailand, Fort Greely, Alaska, Natick Laboratories, Mass., Fort Bragg and Germany. He was a Master Parachutist and Master Rigger. He was honorably discharged to retired status in 1986 with 30 years of active duty service. On Feb. 4, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sharon E. Whitesell. They made their first home at Fort Greely, Alaska. They have resided in South Whitley since 1986.

Following his discharge, he earned his bachelors degree in general studies from IPFW and a master in education from Indiana University. In retirement he worked for Met Life and then Bankers Life and Casualty Company retiring in 2008. He was a life member of the VFW and life member of the Red Hat Chapter of the Military Parachute Riggers. An avid runner, he also loved to garden and do yard work.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years; daughter: Melody (Eric) Ross, Ludowici, Ga.; son: Eric C.W. Lee, Las Vegas, Nev.; a niece: T. Kirsten Katz, Shreveport, La.; a brother: Marty Mason, South Whitley; four grandchildren: one great-grandchild; and three sisters.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at the funeral home. Burial is to be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.