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William Lee Umphlett, 48, of Chesapeake, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his home. Born in Norfolk on March 3, 1975, Lee was the son of the late William Leslie and Rosenell Bass Umphlett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Lonnie Bass, and by his paternal grandparents, Elliott and Ruth Spivey Umphlett. 

Lee was employed in maintenance having worked with the Zuni Presbyterian Home and later with VersAbility Resources. Always having a servant’s heart and never letting any disabilities slow him down, he deeply cared for providing for the needs of others and loved to volunteer his time with area churches, particularly with Meals on Wheels. Along with his support staff, he enjoyed fellowship in the various churches he attended. Other enjoyments included his love of gardening and working in his flowers and also caring for animals, especially his cats. 

Surviving are his two sisters, Suzette U. Johnson (Mark) of Suffolk and Teresa U. Whitmore (Scott) of Carrollton; maternal grandmother, Hazel Spivey Bass of Hobbsville, North Carolina.; a niece, Amy Sander (Stephen); two nephews, Dylan Whitmore (Courtney) and Wes Whitmore; four great-nieces, Emma, Ava, Scarlett and Briana; two great-nephews, Jake and Jonathon; and aunts, an uncle, and extended family members and friends. 

Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, North Carolina, and will be conducted by Pastor Junior White. A private burial follows in Warwick Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family in the funeral home the hour prior to the services on Wednesday. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to a Meals on Wheels program of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting millerfhc.com.