Vallard C. Lee

Vallard “Val” Carroll Lee was born the fourth child of six to Calvin and Berne Lee in Sweetwater, TX on October 25, 1946. He was active in extracurricular activities such as The Soap Box Derby, Little League Baseball, Boy Scouts of America, Student Council, Dramatics Club, Mathematics Club, Medical Careers Club, Track, Naval Reserve, and Advanced Band to name a few. Upon graduation from Carver high school in 1965 and receiving a band scholarship to Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas, Vallard majored in pre-medicine and became a member of Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity.

During his first year of college, Vallard was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving two years aboard the U.S.S. Semmes, a guided missile destroyer. He successfully completed the requirements of an electronics course and advanced to the rank of Seamen Third Class. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he re-entered Texas Western College in 1968 with a new major in Radio and Television. In 1971, Vallard received his Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1974 his teaching certificate, and in 1980 his temporary mid- management certificate and Master of Education degree.

While at Texas Western College, Vallard met and married Danice “Danni” Michele Heavens. Together they raised three children: Woody, Perry, and Merri until they were grown and had moved out of the house. Then, in 2000, Vallard and Danni adopted and raised three young siblings from Houston, TX: Demetria, Vertone, and Clinton. Four lonely years after the 2010 demise of Danni from health issues, Vallard connected with his middle school classmate, Iwo Jima Hocker. Later in 2016, Val and Iwo were happily joined in matrimony and resided in El Paso, TX.

Vallard’s work experience was focused as a valued Teacher at North Loop Elementary School, and Teacher of the Gifted and Talented Program at Tierra Del Sol Elementary School. He was well-liked by students, parents, colleagues, and administrators alike. Even though he did not choose teaching during his early pursuit of a profession, Vallard expressed that he had, indeed, found his niche, and teaching was it! He retired from teaching after 32 years of dedicated service. Vallard received honors from his peers on several occasions. In 1980, Vallard earned his first Teacher of the Year honor at North Loop and followed up soon afterward with the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year for the entire Ysleta School District. He ultimately earned Teacher of the Year a total of five times throughout his career.

Vallard Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, relative to a host of other family members, and friend to many, all of whom love him dearly. His witty humor and uplifting support resulted in smiles on the faces of those who were fortunate enough to have interacted with him. His life was full of examples of excellence, service, education, and encouragement. He will be deeply missed.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, May 29, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home - East. 

Funeral Service will be 10:00 am, Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3201 Frutas Ave.

 Interment will be 10:00 am, Monday, June 1, 2026 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.