Lee Prentice Roles, Jr.

Lee Prentice Roles Jr. was born July 18, 1932 in Broken Arrow, OK to Lee Prentice Roles Sr. and Ivah Mabel (Hogan) Roles. He passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018 at home in Tulsa at the age of 86. Upon graduation from Tulsa Central High in 1950, he attended Oklahoma A & M (OSU) where he was a member of the Intercollegiate Rodeo Club. He later attended Oklahoma Military Academy and the University of Tulsa. On September 19, 1952, he married the love of his life, Oneta Wyatt. They shared 66 wonderful years together. Lee worked and retired from American Airlines after 30 years. Employment at American gave the family numerous opportunities to travel as the girls were growing up. Lee always said, "The girls are going to be with us for such a short time. Let's make it count." The trips were great but for the young girls, take-off and landing was always a highpoint of the trip. Those special trips built a lifetime of memories. Helping his dad in the milk barn while growing up gave Lee a love for working with cattle. When Lee and Oneta moved to the Inola property, it wasn't long before the landscape was speckled with their own herd of cattle. But working cattle can be a risky business. On more than a few occasions, Oneta would call the girls to say they were heading to the ER to get patched up, and yes, he had been out working the cows. On one occasion the vet was present and rather than make the trip to the ER, he offered to do the honors. Lee was soon sporting a lovely shade of pink gauze wrapped around his head. Lee was a student of positive thinking. The glass was always half full and he lived his life that way. He shared this philosophy with the girls through both word and deed. He strove to teach the girls life lessons. Simple things like changing a flat tire to standing up for themselves, no matter who it was. Lee loved playing "42" and "Canasta". Be it dominos or cards, the man watched closely and knew what was played and how to work to it to his advantage. It was rare that others could best him at the game. And that continued even in these last few months. Lee loved his grandkids and always did what he could to make special memories with them. When Chris and David were in elementary, he took both boys and they flew to Chicago for an overnight. And just like his 3 daughters, the take off and landings were the highpoint of the adventure. The arrival of great grandkids brought a new opportunity for an additional storehouse of memories. And Lee was always obliged to help create them. Be it tractor rides with Quinn, snuggles all around, or the shocked fascination when Grandpa surprised Fynn by taking out his teeth. Oh yes, the memories. He is survived by Oneta of the home, 3 daughters, Kristy and Don Grounds, LaNeta and Len Smith, and Trisha and Ricky Rowlan. 7 Grandkids, Chris Grounds, David Grounds, Hunter & Natalie Smith, Denver & Erin Smith, and KiLynn Smith. 4 Great grandkids, Quinn & Everest Smith, Fynn & Wyatt Smith. 3 sisters, Carolyn & Tom Spurlock, Janie and Ted Robinson, Judy and Dolan Sproull and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by this parents, Lee and Ivah Roles and Father & Mother in-law, Cecil and Delora Wyatt. Memorial service will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 12, 2018 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Lee Prentice Roles, Jr.

July 18, 1932 - October 6, 2018