FRANKLIN—William Lee Baxter, 90, transitioned into eternity on May 17, 2013. Lee was born the third of six children in Newberry, SC, to the late John and Annie Baxter, but spent the majority of his life in Franklin, VA, with his wife of 65 years, Lelia Lue Parker Baxter.

He retired after 35 years of service with the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, VA. He also owned his own bus, trucking, construction, and oil businesses where he faithfully served his customers.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, Franklin, where he served as a trustee.

As a young man he served his country in the army during World War II in the South Pacific.

He was preceded in death by one brother, John Henry Baxter, and two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Elliott and Virginia Harris. He leaves to carry on his legacy his daughter, Sandra B. Smith (Michael); grandchildren, Shannon Harris (Sean), Michael Smith (Keisha), Yale Cullings, and great-grandchild, Michael Cameren Smith; his sister, Myrtle Lewis; his brother, Richard Brack Baxter (Ruby), as well as many faithful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The celebration of life service will be on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Franklin,VA followed by a burial with military honors at the Southampton Memorial Park Cemetery, Franklin, VA. Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.