Thomas Christopher Lee

Thomas (Tom) Christopher Lee passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2024, at Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael, California. His stepdaughter Tammie, his son Frank, and his long-time friend Judy Heinzen were at his bedside.

Tom was born in Texas on July 5, 1949. As a young child, he traveled by train from Beaumont, Texas to Salinas, California, accompanied by his mother, Bernice, his grandmother, and his cousin, Barbara Ann, to join his Uncle Aaron. In Salinas, Tom received his education from Sacred Heart Grammar School, Palma Junior and Senior High Schools, Hartnell Junior College, and University of San Francisco.

He served his country in the US Navy for four years, part of which he spent on the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany in support of US operations against North Vietnam. After completing his Navy service, he returned to Salinas and began a long career with Pacific Bell Telephone Company, where he worked in various capacities for over 40 years until his retirement in 2018.

In retirement, Tom cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, often offering grandfatherly advice. He was passionate about golf and enjoyed planning golf trips for himself and his friends, including a recent trip to Portugal. He played at numerous golf courses across California and the country.

Tom's interest in genealogy led him to discover a half-sister in Oklahoma and two half-brothers in Texas through Ancestry.com. He visited them individually and maintained contact with them until his passing. He enjoyed exploring the Texas Hill Country and savoring Texas BBQ with his half-brother.

Tom's easy-going nature and friendly disposition endeared him to many. He was a lifelong LA Dodgers fan, a passion instilled in him by his mother, who avidly followed the team's games. Tom's competitive spirit and loyalty to the Dodgers were unwavering, and it is said he is now cheering for his team from the Cloud Upper Deck Section.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Sears. He is survived by his family:

**Sons:**

- Christopher and his son Cayden, of Folsom, CA

- Frank (Lindsey) and their children Connor and Ava, of San Luis Obispo, CA

**Stepdaughters:**

- Teresa Mayes, of Phoenix, AZ, and her children Ronnie Borchard, Jr and Nicole (Giuseppe) Salvi, great grandchild Angelo

- Tammie (Duane) Wood and their children Isabella Kalfopoulos (Nicholas), of Pacific Grove, CA, Natalie and Eden, of Salinas, CA

**Sister**

-Frances Rios of Crest Hill, Illinois

**Nieces**

-Tangee Rios

- Angela Healy (Andrew) and their children, Finley and Owen

**Nephew**

Carlos (Jennifer) Rios and their child, Madison

Tom was a dedicated father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and forever a Dodgers fan. Memorial plans are underway and will be shared at a later date.