Robert Cotton Lee

Robert "Cotton" Lee, passed on Saturday, October 20, 2012 in Show Low, Arizona. He was 62 years old. "Cotton", as he was affectionately known as, was born December 7, 1949 in Carrizo, Arizona to Grant Lee, Sr. and Pearl Tortice Lee. As a career, he chose a logging truck for most of his life he was a lumber grader and knew all the positions in the mill. He was of the Pinetree Clan. Cotton was a self-taught master guitar player who loved to travel as a musician and particularly enjoyed playing country classics. He loved to rodeo and back in his younger days, he was an avid rodeo cowboy, taking part in all standard events of bull riding, bareback, team roping, calf roping, bulldogging, saddle bronc events. Cotton was a man who took on these challenges in the rodeo arena with enthusiasm and sheer cowboy grit. He enjoyed the outdoors very much, especially hunting and fishing, and he loved to cut wood. He was a "Jack of All Trades". Back in the 70's when Muhammad Ali trained in Show Low, one of Cotton's precious memorable moments was when he got to meet him personally and shake his hand. He was an iconic figure in boxing to him. Cotton was a very compassionate man who was always willing to help anyone and he loved to make those around him laugh. He was beloved by his family and friends. Cotton is survived by his companion, Shirley Ann Forrest; two children, Nathaniel Forrest and Everett Loas; his father, Grant Lee, Sr.; 11 brothers and sisters, Hugh Lee, Sr., Phoebe Lee Nez, Gwendolyn Numkena, Michael Lee, Isaiah Lee, Grant Lee, Jr., Holyan Lee, Gina Webster, Naveen Dazen, Gwendena Real Bird and Rhiannon Lee. He is preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Tortice Lee; paternal grandmother, Molly Lupe Lee; paternal grandfather, Ocsar Lee; maternal grandmother, Bessie Gatewood Tortice; maternal grandfather, Methew Tortice, nephews: Dustin Hosteen Nez, Julian Lee. A wake is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Forrest Family residence in East Fork. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Ft. Apache Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The concluding service and interment will follow at the East Fork Dove Street Cemetery. The elder brothers: "Lord, When I think of it there aren't many loggers, truckers and cowboys all in one. But the one we knew was friendly and being in his presence was so much fun. As we remember and recall the memories that some have forgotten, God Bless, our son, our uncle and our big brother "Cotton". Grandpa called him "Uncle Bob". He was a big brother and he advised us, cared for us and performed his job. His time on earth was shared by many. He made sure people were taken care of and shared his wealth in times of plenty. He helped us in the ways he could. He babysat, worked the mill and helped us harvest wood. He was no angel and he would be the first to admit it. His advice was heard and made sure we would not forget it. The trips we made with Cotton were fun and he would have lots to share and say. As he is now gone, Lord, please have him lead the way. For we know Thou art our elder brother. We love him, we'll miss him, but we have joy in knowing he is with our Mother. Jesus, our Lord, we know he is following thee. As our older brother, help us to prepare and know that his parting and passing leads to eternity. Cotton, we love you and we know you loved us too. It wasn't said out loud but it was shown in the things you say and do. Study hard, and pray and learn of His plan, for our faith is grounded and we know that one day, we will all be together again." In Memory of My "Uncle Bob!" ~Sky Nez