of Harrison, AR
September 5, 1956 - December 22, 2012
Laurie Rich Lee was born in West Memphis, Arkansas, on September 5, 1956. She was a graduate of Benton High School and attended the University of Arkansas with a vocal scholarship. While in college Laurie and Arleen Risley were sorority sisters and this is how Arleen introduced Steve's brother Keith to Laurie.
Funeral services was Saturday, December 29, 2012, at Faith Assembly of God Church with Rev. Arlis Thrasher speaking along with family and friends adding their thoughts and memories of Laurie.
Burial was in Maple Leaf Cemetery following the service.
Visitation was Friday, December 28, 2012, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Charlie Rich, Jr., Wesley Karber, Brooks Yelverton, Steve Lee, Zack Lee and Tyler Lee.
Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Roy Lee , Dr. Brian Linn and Dr. Mark Thomas of Regency Hospital.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to the: American Diabetis Society, 320 Executive Court, Suite 104, Little Rock, AR 72205 or the Food Basket program c/o Faith Assembly Church, 112 Valley View Ch. Rd., Harrison, AR 72601.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Ranee Rich, a brother Jack Rich and an infant son Caleb Lee. She is survived by her husband Keith Lee of the home; a son Cole Lee of the home; brother Charlie Rich Jr and his wife Terri of Nashville, TN; two aunts Libby Ann Armstrong and Barbara Ann Rivers; one uncle, Jimmie Green; and a niece Maggie Yelverton and husband Brooks; and a nephew Wesley Karber and his wife Bethany; Laurie's very best friend Jeanine Jagodowlcz and a host of other family and friends across this country.
Laurie came from a musical family, her parents were Charlie and Margaret Ann (Greene) Rich, who were raised in the Colt and Forrest City, Arkansas area. Charlie and Margaret both had successful musical careers in composing, singing and producing hit records. Laurie was introduced to the music industry by her parents and went on to perform professionally. She performed with her father Charlie Rich as a back-up singer and soloist and appeared on HBO special-Wimbley Concert, Entertainment Tonight TV show, Mervin Conn European Tour, and Extensive US Concert Tour. She performed with Ronnie Milsap as a back-up singer and appeared with him on the Grand Ol Opery in Nashville, Fan Fair in Nashville, Pop Goes the Country TV show and again with Mervin Conn European Tour and extensive US Concert Tour. She performed with Conway Twitty as a back-up singer and appeared with him at the Aladdin Hotel-Baghdad Theatre in Las Vegas and the Universal Studios Show with Loretta Lynn.
Along with performing with celebrity artists she did Lead and Back-up vocals, Jingles and Demos in Nashville and Los Angeles. She also had the opportunity to work with Capitol, EMI America and Liberty Records and was an assistant to Fran Rogers in the International Department.
As important as her professional career was, when she met and was married to Keith by Rev. Arlis Thrasher, she became a member of the Faith Assembly of God church and was deeply involved with the food basket program at the church. She and Keith enjoy being involved with the choir at church.
She and Keith did ''At Home in the Country'' which was a National PBS with help from Steve Lee. She did a lot of weddings and funerals for friends she had met through the years. She worked locally with several business opportunities, an Ambassador for Frank Conner at Mass Merchandise, Northwest Economic Development District and the Unemployment Office. She helped co-chair the Northwest AR District Fair Pageant for 10 years.
She and Keith and Cole worked on the road touring with her brother Charlie Rich, Jr., performing in a tribute show to her dad. She and Keith did lots of jingles and promotion ads for local businesses in Harrison.
Laurie was asked many times to accept awards for her late father Charlie Rich which she was honored to do. With all the entertaining and musical events in her life she dearly loved to have Keith and Cole shower her home with fresh flowers.
Sign Guestbook
45 Condolence(s)
Elizabeth Ann Manka
Saturday, July 8, 2023
It's not good anymore it's been a long time
Sparky Costello
Friday, November 8, 2019
I just now found out about the passing of Laurie. I am so sad to hear of her. I have been a friend and Audio Engineer of Charlie Jr. since 1989. In 1995 Charlie asked if I would talk with Laurie as she needed an Audio Engineer for "At Home In The Country ". I said yes, and that is when I met Laurie and Keith. She was very talented and a giving person.
Tyler Lee
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Aunt Laurie I miss you so much. I know your in Heaven and pain free that is the only way I am coping. I love you so much you never ever got on to me for anything and you were always saying I had the best voice in the family and I know you were just being sweet to me, you always made me feel like I could play and fit in with the rest of the family when you know I struggled fitting in musically with our talented bunch. The Lee band vocals aren't sounding as good as they use too, but I know Heavens choir is full and sounding more beautiful than ever. Thank you for being you. I promise to love on Cole and Keith and comfort them because I know that is what you would want me to do. I miss you Laurie Lynn and promise to see you in heaven one day. Save us all a seat. With all the love you can imagine your Nephew Tyler
Charlie Rich, Jr.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
It is so humbling to see the great outpouring of love and affection for my sister Laurie. She touched many lives and I have always been so proud of her. Laurie was very special to me.
Many of my favorite memories of Laurie were when she, Keith, and Cole allowed me to share the stage with them. We always had a great time with lots of laughs.
I will miss our talks on the telephone and the special bond that we had. We shared each others burdens and Laurie was always a ready source of encouragement.
We both drove out to California and tried to make a go of it there. Laurie was easy to like and quickly became the youngest head of Sales at Capitol Records in Los Angeles. We used to love watching those old Busby Berkley movies with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Very campy stuff but we both got a big kick out of it. Honeymoon Hotel was one of her favorite songs from that genre. On a more serious note, anything by Aretha or Stevie Wonder were way up on the list, and of course she loved Dad. It was great having family reunions at all of my father's shows--a real family affair with Laurie, sister Renee, and yours truly. Laurie was easy to brag on. She sang with my father--Charlie Rich, Jeannie Pruett, Conway Twitty, Randy Meisner (Eagles/Poco), Billy Swan and Ronnie Milsap, to name just a few. She was modest to a fault and lavished her love on others rather than putting the spotlight on herself. My wife Teri and I will miss our trips to Hot Springs with Laurie and Keith.
I will see Laurie again in heaven when we are glory. That is the blessed assurance which Laurie and I so often talked about.
May God richly bless you and keep you,
Charlie 'Allan' Rich Jr
John 10:21-30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.
Marie Gortney
Thursday, January 10, 2013
I will always love you, Laurie. I know God is enjoying your beautiful voice singing His praises. I cannot wait to sing with you when I get to Heaven, because at least then, I will be able to match that beautiful voice!!!! I thank God for the blessing of knowing you, and I pray His blessings of comfort for Alan, your husband and your son!!!!!!!!!
Brenda Box Forthmon
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
I am saddened to hear that Laurie is gone, but she has taken flight to sing with the Angels. We roomed together a bit at the Kappa house & I loved her sweet very humble spirit, her smile, & those incredible blue eyes. Keith & Cole, I know your strong faith will carry you through. Deepest condolences to the Rich & Lee families.
Marci Hall
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Dear Keith and Cole, my condolences on losing your wife and mom. I wanted to share my memory of getting to know Laurie while we were Kappas together. Back then the house board chose who would be roomates, and they wisely matched Laurie an I to live together in one of the small rooms in the front of the house that had a door out to the balcony in it. We barely knew each other at first, but it didn't take any time at all until we grew to love each other. We always enjoyed our time together in the room, mostly listening to music and singing along. Even with Laurie's wonderful voice and my tone deafness, we both just sang out! Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" was a favorite. Graduation took us different directions, but I will always think of Laurie as a dear friend.
I know she will be missed.
Holly Greene Magness
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Dear Keith, Cole, and Allen,
I am so sorry for Laurie's passing. She was so sweet. We were very close cousins when she lived in Benton. She helped me with many things. I pray God will see you through your time of need. So sorry I was unable to attend services.
With Much Love,
Holly Greene Magness
Becky Baldridge Arthur
Saturday, December 29, 2012
To Keith and Cole, Sending you prayers to help you through this very sad time. The loss of wife and mother is so difficult. Laurie and I grew up together in Benton, and i remember her Dad playing the piano and singing in our church fellowship hall at youth service in Benton. I loved that family and although Laurie and I weren't close in high school we pledged together at Fayetteville with the Kappas and we truly became sisters. She was a sweet and loving person and I remember when she started dating Keith. So glad that you all had time together singing and enjoying what you both loved! Please know prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. She was taken way too soon!
Sheroll Pharris
Saturday, December 29, 2012
So very sorry for the loss of your precious Laurie. I pray for peace and comfort in the days ahead as you try to adjust to life without her, but know she will always be in your heart. Our family sends our love to you and Cole and the whole family. We have fond memories of you all. Our love and prayers always, Larry and Sheroll Pharris and family
Jerry Pederson
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Keith, Sorry to hear about Laurie, your family and the Rich family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time in your lives. May God bless you all in your time of need.
Jerry & Karen Pederson
Janet Riley Johnston
Saturday, December 29, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Laurie grew up on the same street as I did in Benton. We came to see you perform in Hot Springs a few years ago. So glad that we got to come to that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family. I used to babysit all of the kids a long time ago on Troutt Street. She was too young but I believe she will be singing in the Angel Chorus
Renee Parker Dickins
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thoughts and prayers with all of the family. May God grant you his perfect peace. BHS class of 1975 lost a sweet classmate.
Jerry and Colleen Tilton
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Listen closely today and you will hear her singing with the Angels in Heaven. Prayers for the family for strength and comfort though the days ahead.
Colleen and Jerry Tilton
Nelda
Friday, December 28, 2012
KEITH ,SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAYERS FOR THE RICH AND LEE FAMLIES SENDING PRAYERS OF PEACE AND COMFORT. NELDA STARKEY COFFMAN FAMILY
Krisann Markel Bullard
Friday, December 28, 2012
I would like to express my sympathy to the Rich Lee family for the loss of Laurie. Laurie was always such a kind person that will be missed by many. My prayers are with the family through this difficult time.
Krisann
Pam McMahan O'Neal
Friday, December 28, 2012
My thoughts are with your family. May they find peace and comfort from our Lord and Savior. You will never be forgotten.
Judy Wright Young
Friday, December 28, 2012
I am so sorry about your loss. I did not know her personally, but did graduate with her sister, Renee. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Judy Wright Young
Viada Dashiell
Friday, December 28, 2012
So sorry for your loss to the Rich & Lee Familys, Laurie is a Beautiful Person,Her parents were wonderful down to earth people that were alway`s kind to everyone,she will be missed,our thought`s and prayers go out to her Family may she RIP, Love & Prayers to all..
Viada Dashiell
Friday, December 28, 2012
So sorry for your loss to the Rich & Lee Familys, Laurie is a Beautiful Person,Her parents were wonderful down to earth people that were alway`s kind to everyone,she will be missed,our thought`s and prayers go out to her Family may she RIP, Love & Prayers to all..
Sheila Owen (Riley)
Friday, December 28, 2012
So sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with you in the days to come! Laurie was a sweet girl! I will always remember that voice and her dads and mom"s. I lived in the neighborhood in Benton, Ar and somebody would say Laurie's dad is singing and we would ride our bikes to hear him sing! of course we knew the lyrics and he said I could sing too! They will all be missed and remembered forever!
Kelly & Reta Davis
Friday, December 28, 2012
Keith, Cole & Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have so many wonderful memories that will keep Laurie in your hearts forever.
Jonna Green West
Friday, December 28, 2012
To the families of Laurie,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Laurie had a smile that could brighten the darkest room. She was such a sweet, kind, genuine, and talented person. I have so many wonderful memories of Laurie throughout our years of school together. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
My sincere sympathy,
Jonna Green West
Joy Smart/Johnson
Friday, December 28, 2012
Don't know what to say after all these years. I too have fond memories of Laurie in our high school choir class. Never really knew, but thought she might have followed ithe music bussiness. Laurie was such a beautiful, genuine, down to earth gal. Of course everyone knew her father had been trying to "make it big" in the music bussiness, since we were in grade school. You didn't get that "My father is Charlie Rich" kinda attitude from her. She was just Laurie Rich. I really think we had already graduated when her father really had his big break, so we never eally bugged her bout his autograph, (well I think I may have, HA!) Seems like while she didn't really boast about him, she was supportive of him, he ws just her dad.. Looking at her video, seems like she was most proud of her accomplishment of being a wonderful & proud mom and wife. To her family, my prayers are with you. Heaven has gained another good one! See you there, Laurie!
Henry Wilson
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Deborah Fowler Merriman
Friday, December 28, 2012
Keith, Cole, and family. I am so deeply sad for you all during this time of loss. May you cherish your love and memories, and take each moment of each day to gain strength from God to help you through your darkest hours of grief.
pauline wilcox reeves
Thursday, December 27, 2012
I was honored to know her. Sympathy to the family.
Karen Derfler Carter
Thursday, December 27, 2012
To Laurie's family, I send you all prayers for comfort and strength in the days ahead. Laurie was special, she was genuine, and so talented. We shared many memories and laughs from grade school thru high school. She could light up a room with those beautiful blue eyes and and that smile!! May God Bless You All.
Judy Smith
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Such a sad loss for someone so beautiful and talented,May the Lord Bless you, Cole and your family Keith.
karen Kimes-Cox
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Laurie was a breath of fresh air and we are all better people for knowing her. She had talent and the ability to make everyone who came in her presence feel important. It was about them not her. She is no longer in pain. She is singing with the lord and her loved one's who have passed on. We will see her bright smile and beautiful face again.
Vicki Petree Stuart
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Dear Keith and family,
Words cannot express my sadness at the loss of your precious Laurie. She was a beautiful person that had a way of making each person she met feel special and important. We have a very special angel in Heaven gracing God's choir.
Keith, I will pray for comfort for you and your family and I know your strong faith will be a comfort to you during this time. God bless.
Jay, Tammy, Devon and Alex Brentlinger
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."
Laurie will be deeply missed. She was a wonderful person inside and out with a beautiful voice that will now sing in Heaven.
Phil
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
To Keith and your son I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. You have lost your soul mate and mother and these are dark days I am sure. Laurie has gone home for Christmas to the Heavenly Father. As men of faith I know you believe that she has gone to a better place even though the grief and lonliness without her will be very difficult.
Jill Moon
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
To all the Lee Family-
We are so saddened to hear about Laurie. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we hold you in our hearts.
Jiill Moon and Family
Susan Brumley Everett
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Dear Family,
I am very sorry for the loss of your precious Laurie. She was so full of life and love and fun when I knew her in highschool I pray you find the comfort presence and strength of Jesus Christ to take you on this journey.
In sympathy, Susie Everett
Sherry Choate & Family
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Keith & Cole,
We wanted you both to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers, Roy, Sherry, Niki, Ashlee (& kids)
Gena Alder
Monday, December 24, 2012
Will never forget days and nights with Laurie. She was a best friend back in the day....a friendship that I cherish.... I'm so sorry
John Creager
Monday, December 24, 2012
Keith, I just dont have the words for the sorrow I feel for you and Cole. Laurie's suffer is over, she sings in God's Choir tonight.
You are strong, You will get everything figured out.
If there is anything I can do please call.
John
Freda
Monday, December 24, 2012
I have always remembered sitting by you and singing in the choir. You had such a great voice. You have always been one of the kindest people I have ever had the privilege to call a friend. I have nothing but fond memories of you.
Rev Lynn Hensley Sullivan
Monday, December 24, 2012
Dear Lee and Rich Families, I send my thoughts and prayers to you as you grieve the loss of a beautiful lady during the season of love. We were classmates in Benton.
cindy summerville
Monday, December 24, 2012
Your beautiful soul now rests in the arms of our almighty father. I will always remember you with a smile.
Lily Poyser Steiner
Sunday, December 23, 2012
I will always remember what a beautiful, kind, loving girl you were. Your beautiful voice was such a gift to the rest of us. I remember sewing a high school choir costume for you. We had such fun! We are all blessed for having shared that time with you. Rest in peace, dear friend!
Alice Chesney
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Laurie was a very sweet lady and early friend. Hugs to Charlie Rich Jr.
Renita Eubanks McDaniel
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Dearest Lee & Rich families
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Laurie. Laurie and her family lived across the street from us in Benton. I have so many fond memories of staying at there house when we were younger. My thoughts and prayers go out to Laurie's family and to Charlie Jr.
Tony Ramsey
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Laurie, You were my best friend, and also my girlfriend back in the day. I will never forget the night in the corvette with you. Love you and God bless the rest of your family.