The Aldridge family is saddened by the death of Lee Hardin Taliaferro 81 of McKinney, Texas formerly of Texarkana, Texas. Lee was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on March 14, 1942. His family soon moved to Hawkins, Texas where he graduated high school.
Upon graduation, he attended Baylor University and met his soulmate, Lea Ann Hodek. Lea Ann is a cousin to the Aldridge clan, her mom was my dad's and uncle Joe's sister. He and Lea Ann graduated from Baylor University in 1967. He graduated with a BBA in Business and teaching. They moved to Texarkana to be close to Lee's parents who had recently moved there.
Lee got a job with American Greetings Corporation and remained a valuable employee for 31 years. During this time, he was their top U.S. Salesman of the Year on two different occasions.
He made friends with Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, during his journey around Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma and became the supervisor for American Greetings in these states. Lee was successful due to his charming personality; he never met a stranger and had a witty dry sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, and they absolutely loved traveling. They had traveled extensively all over the US and Europe. They had two daughters, Nacele and son-in-law, Barry Thomason and their son, Trevor of McKinney; Michelle Lee Taliaferro, also of McKinney and her daughter, Madison Schumaker and a son, Jake Schumaker. Also, he leaves behind a sister, Royceanne Taliaferro Fulgham. His family was his life, please keep them in your prayers as they follow life's new journey without him. He was a member of First Baptist Church Moore's Lane in Texarkana; he loved the Lord and spent many hours listening to his favorite hymns.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 5, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, Texas, in the pavilion.