Family Members Share Fond Memories of Dalton Soldier Killed in Iraq

Family members share fond memories of a Dalton Soldier killed in the line of duty

Thomas Edward Lee the third died Friday in Mosul, Iraq in an explosion.

His family remember his accomplishments and celebrate his life.

Katie Lee, Sister, "He was always watching out for me you can tell there."

Ever since her birth, 14 year old Katie Lee has looked to her brother as her protector.

Katie, "He basically, he took care of me. He and my momma took care of me. He was like the father in the picture."

Until Friday when Private Tommy Lee's mother Shirley got devastating news.

Billy Hobbs, Grandfather, "She was there by herself and she seen this military vehicle come up and when the two got out she knew. She knew, she said her heart just dropped sure enough that's what it was."

The grandson, father figure, soldier and friend had died from an explosion in Iraq...leaving a family heart sick.

Ashley Lee Sister, "We'll miss him greatly. He was a great man."Katie, "He's safe now but he knew what he was doing up there and he died doing what he loved to do playing GI Joe. He wanted to do that since he was 8 years old."

Lee joined the army at age 18 and had been deployed since December.

He'd just returned home for leave in April.

Hobbs, "The last thing I remember was he stood up and gave me the biggest hug you've ever seen in your life we hugged each other. We told each other we loved each other. He looked me right in the eye and said Boo Boo I love you. I never did see him again."

Though gone at just 20 years old, family members vow they'll never forget Tommy and ask for prayers.

Ashley, "Just pray for all the other families because it's just going to keep happening. It's pretty bad over there and keep them in your prayers because they're still fighting and they're heroes they're fighting for our freedom so just keep al of them in your prayers."

Ponders Funeral Home is handling Private Lee's arrangements.

We'll give you the details as soon as we get them.