Lee Arlington Warner

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Lee Arlington Warner unexpectedly passed into the loving arms of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a beloved husband, father, Dah (grandfather), uncle, and cousin. He was a best friend to all who knew him. Lee filled the hearts of those who surrounded him with joy and love. His love for Christ and others permeated every aspect of who he was. Lee is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet Lance Warner, daughter Cynthia Leigh Warner McInnis (Jay) and son Thomas Christopher Warner all of Youngsville, NC. Lee was a cherished member of his family and a role model for his four grandchildren: Alyssa, Isabel, Cole, and Savannah. Lee has four siblings: brother Alan Warner (Lena) of Pickens, SC, sisters Carol Whetsell and Nancy Warner of Greenville, SC and Martha Preston (Dr. John Preston) of Hilton Head, SC as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents Carl T. Warner and Lorena Welborn Warner of Pickens, SC and two infant children of his sister Carol Whetsell.

He was a lifelong learner with a passion for nature, agriculture, and the word of God. He loved classical music, long walks, and Craisins. Lee was a unique man in many ways—a lactose intolerant who loved ice cream and a Baby Boomer proficient in YouTube (affectionately known as the Wahoo Station). He loved to teach just as much as he loved to learn. Everyone who ever had the blessing of knowing Lee Warner knew a man filled with the Holy Spirit. He was a source of warmth, love, and wisdom for so many.

Lee was born at Greenville Hospital in South Carolina and grew up in Pickens, SC. He met the love of his life Janet at Pickens High School, from which they both graduated. Lee sought to serve in every area of his life, spending two years after high school at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Following his time there, he transferred to Clemson University where he earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1971.

His innovative spirit then led him to the cotton industry where he spent 10 years working for Cotton Inc. He took the knowledge he gained there and created a market for cottonseed in the dairy business. He worked tirelessly with his wife to build his business and sell to dairy farmers across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. He also designed module systems for cotton storage and several cotton gins. He also holds a patent for a system to load cottonseed onto rail cars.

Lee’s love of the gospel led him to join his local Gideon camp. He spent many Sundays doing ministry in local jails. It is wonderful to think how many more people have received the sweet gift of salvation due to his dedication to ministry! He was a faithful member of Bayleaf Baptist Church and loved to serve his community in any way possible.

Lee loved God’s creation and will be interred in the woods as requested. He viewed his body as a vessel, and he served well with the time he was given here on earth. He filled every room he entered with his laughter and love.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held at the Graveside at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens at 770 Stadium Dr., Wake Forest, NC on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 2 pm. If you would like to attend the service, please bring a mask and lawn chair.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to The Gideons International Raleigh North Camp P.O. Box 99557 Raleigh, NC 27624 or to Bayleaf Baptist Church.

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