Birth Date: 02/20/1923
Deceased Date: 07/07/2019
Smithfield – Newitt Benton Lee, age 96, peacefully passed away on Sunday morning, July 7, 2019 after a short stay at Spring Brook Nursing Home in Clayton. We opened the blinds and let the sun shine in on him as he went to meet his wife, Shirley, they were married for 66 years. Newitt was the baby of seven children born to Claude and Lillie Driver Lee. He grew up in a time when you worked hard and he believed everyone should do just that. At the age of 21, Newitt was drafted into the US Army and served in the “Spearheads” Third Armored Division. He served from 1944 – 1946. His time in the military was one he did not talk much about. Those memories were lasting. Newitt retired from the NC Department of Transportation with 37 years of service. He was a materials and test engineer. Newitt leaves behind a daughter, Karen Lee and grandson Jacob Lee who was his life. Also his “lap cat”, Ringer. A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday July 10, 2019 at 2 PM at Knollwood Memorial Park in Clayton. In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial contributions be made to Pets for vets Inc., PO Box 10860 Wilmington NC, 28404 attention Cape Fear chapter, or you may visit their website using the donation link ( include Mr. lees name). A special thank you to all the caregivers on “Flowers hall” at Spring Brook Nursing Home.
