By Cheryl Smith
Thousands of men across the country and around the world have claimed Warren G. Lee, Jr. as a mentor and as expressions were shared on social media upon hearing of his passing on Monday, it was clear of the significant impact he has had during his lifetime.
Many talked about his character, his resolve and commitment.
Hailing from Greenville, TX, Lee is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and served as the 38th International Grand Basileus (President). He embodied the spirit of the organization’s cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college.
Many of his chapter brothers were with him a week prior to his death when they all attended the Theta Alpha Chapter retreat.
Basileus Aaron Brown said in a chapter statement, “The Brothers of Theta Alpha Chapter offer our condolences to the family and our Brothers during this time. We are all deeply hurt by this loss; yet, find comfort in the collective Brotherhood and Friendship of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.”
“He was active and stayed the entire time and was actively involved,” said Derrick Payne, former Theta Alpha president. He was also committed and engaged.
According to Payne, Lee was planning on attending the organization’s national conclave in Charlotte, NC, July 21-26, 2022, because he was looking forward to presenting 50 year pins to several Dallas area Omega Men.
Lee was initiated into Omega at the University of Texas – Eta Theta Chapter in 1971 and in 1972 he was elected to the student position on the national board, as second Vice-Grand Basileus.
His service continued over the years and he was elected to several positions, including Keeper of Finance (Treasurer) and 1st Vice Basileus (President).
Lee emphasized leadership through the mantra, “Making A Difference In The Lives Of Black People,” and Omega men around the world mentored young men while organizing and executing countless social action programs; and donating millions to worthy causes.
But Lee was not just a brother to his fraternity members.
Ambassador Ron Kirk was a groomsman when Lee married Lorraine Green and considers him to be one of his oldest and dearest friends.
Kirk, who served as Dallas’ first African American Mayor, is Godfather to Lee’s son, Warren G. Lee III.
He described Lee as a “good man who was incredibly decent, loyal, smart and loved his church and golf.”
Kirk said his friend even convinced him to seek membership in the fraternity he loved so much and while he started the process Kirk never completed membership.
But that didn’t end their relationship.
“We remained friends, always,” said Kirk.
Willie Hinchen joined the fraternity a year after Lee, who received his 50-year pin last year, along with State Senator Royce West.
The senator was speechless when he received word of Lee’s passing. The two were close and West was clearly moved.
“This is hard,” he said.
Lee was at UT, West at UTA and Hinchen at Jarvis Christian during college and they all ended up in the Theta Alpha Chapter, after graduation.
“He was a frat brother and a friend,” said Hinchen, adding that he is still processing the loss. “He did my taxes for over 30 years and we both attended each other’s son’s entrance into the frat.”
If I could use one word to describe him, it would be ‘outstanding,” added Hinchen. “Warren was an outstanding man. He made me better!”
Willie Earl Johnson and his wife Ella Goode Johnson were among those traveling to North Carolina for the Conclave and Lee would have also been recognizing Mr. Johnson for 50 years of service.
“Warren Lee was a multi-talented Godly servant. He was a servant leader at his church, with his family and in the Divine 9 World of Greekdom,” said Mrs. Johnson, who served as president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, (Lee’s wife is a member) during Lee’s tenure as Omega Basileus.
Her husband, who attended UNT, said, “He has left an exemplary mark of excellence for us all to follow. He was a strong believer in following the correct process in all of your undertakings. He will be missed.”
Lee also wrote letters of recommendation for the Johnsons’ two sons, Toby and Jabari, leading to them both becoming members of the fraternity.
In addition to statements from across the country, the International Headquarters lauded Lee’s accomplishment in a statement on its website, referencing Lee work as a financial management consultant in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area, serving as the principal in the firm Warren Lee & Associates.
He also specialized in working with churches and other religious organizations in ministry and administrative development; serving as a member of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Irving branch of the NAACP, MetroCrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Dallas Community College District Accounting Advisory Committee.
He was a decades-long member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church where he served as chair of the Ministry’s Leaders Roundtable. He also worked as chairman of the Trustee Board, a Sunday School teacher, and as Evangelical Choir president.
Celebration of a Life Well Lived Warren Gamaliel Lee, Jr.
August 11, 1949 – July 18, 2022
Wake – Omega Service
Remarks and Revelations
Thursday, August 4, 2022
7 pm
Antioch Baptist Church 7550 S. Hampton Road Dallas, Texas 75232
Funeral
Friday, August 5, 2022
10 am
Antioch Baptist Church 7550 S. Hampton Road
Dallas, Texas 75232
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a Tribute Gift to The Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Warren G. Lee, Jr. www.alz.org
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