Extracted from The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, NC)
Tuesday, November 6, 1945

WIDELY KNOWN MINISTER DIES AFTER STROKE

Elder Xure Lee Passes At Dunn

DUNN -- Elder Xure Lee, 73, of Dunn, Route 2, died unexpectedly Sunday night, three days after suffering a stroke at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ocey L. Draughon of Dunn.

Mr. Lee, a native of Johnston County, was a Primitive Baptist minister for more than 30 years, serving Bethsaida, Hannah's Creek and Mingo churches from the beginning of his ministry.

Born May 19, 1872, he was the son of Jesse and Henrietta Lee, pioneers in the settlement of Johnston county.

His first wife, Ida Wood Lee of Johnston county, died several months after marriage, and in 1905 he was married to Canzada Barefoot of near Four Oaks, who survives.

Active throughout Johnston, Harnett and Sampson counties, Mr. Lee was credited with having conducted more funerals during the span of his ministry than any man in the 3-county area.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the home. Elder Lester E. Lee, assisted by Elder L. A. Johnson of Benson, Route 2, officiated. Interment took place in the Johnson-Lee family cemetery 10 miles east of Dunn.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lalon Lee McCullen of Clinton, Route 3 and Mrs. Draughon of Dunn; one son, Leland Lee of Dunn, Route 2; one brother, former State Senator P. A. Lee; and two sisters, Mrs. W. A. Johnson and Azubah Lee, both of Dunn, Route 2.