Herbert C. Lee Jr. was born July 1, 1954 in Sontag and passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Ill.

He is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Charles Lee Sr., and stepfather, Abraham B. Taplet, maternal grandmother, Mary Pass, maternal grandfather, George Frelix, and paternal grandmother, Etta B. Morgan.

Herbert attended Chicago Public Schools and later graduated. He also attended Lindbloom Technical High School and was a star football player, and Chicago Loop College. He opened his own business, the Fishery in Chicago, where you could enjoy seafood at its finest, while working for the State of Illinois. Herbert retired as a food supervisor from Stateville Correctional Center after 30 years of service.

He enjoyed playing cards and dominos. He loved watching football and basketball. He enjoyed being with his family and enjoyed the laughter of people, especially the younger generation.

He is survived by his companion of 25 years, Mary Burd; mother, Mary L. Taplet of Chicago; siblings, Charlesetta Lee-Blanchard of Jackson, Sharon Lee of Sontag, George Lee of St. Paul, Minn., Darlene Taplet-Southward of Garden City, Kan., Michael Taplet of Chicago, Maurice Taplet of Riverdale, Ill. and Tonya Taplet-Smith of Chicago; stepchildren, Mary, Carolyn and Anthony (Frankie); nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, at Friendship Baptist Church in Joliet, Ill., with burial in Elmhurst Cemetery. Pastor Gary R. Williams officiated. Minor-Morris Funeral Home in Joliet was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Kawautti Booth, David Mayes, Johnny Lyles and Anthony Crosby.