Gordon Lee Woodlee

Gordon Lee Woodlee, age 89, a resident of McMinnville, TN, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, after a brief illness.  He was born in Gary, WV, and was one of four children. He was a Christian.

Gordon was preceded in death by his loving wife, Charlene. Charlene and Gordon’s 63 years of marriage epitomized their committed mindset and love. Gordon and his wife Charlene had a true sense of adventure living in Asia, South America, and numerous states as they traveled for various job assignments before settling back in Tennessee. Gordon retired from Siemens as a telecommunications engineer.  Gordon served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. Gordon pursued acting as a hobby after his retirement appearing in several movies, limited TV series, and commercials. He enjoyed entertaining others with his spirited humor.  

Gordon is survived by daughter Debra Mailley (Ken) of Murfreesboro, and son Jeff Woodlee (Tara) of Knoxville, grandchildren Ryan Mailley(Marissa) of Nashville, Briana Mailley Arnold (Forrest) of Murfreesboro, and great-granddaughter Nina Arnold of Murfreesboro, Gordie Woodlee and Charley Elizabeth Woodlee of Knoxville, and his brother Jerry Woodlee (Kathy) of Lake Charles, LA. 

Gordon was the son of the late Chris and Iva Lee Woodlee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Ralph Woodlee and Gene Woodlee, and an infant son, Michael Timothy Woodlee, brother-in-law Donald Dye, Wayne Dye, and sister-in-law Tina Burr. Surviving is sister-in-law Glenda Hammer of Rockford, IL, brother-in-law John Dye of Rogersville, TN, and Paul Dye of Springfield, MO.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.  

Services for Gordon will be Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in High's Chapel with Lynn Cantrell officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 10:00 AM until time of service.  Burial will be at Armstrong Cemetery in Irving College, TN. Full military honors will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306. 

The family would like to give special thanks to Alive Hospice for their loving care.

Online condolences may be left at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.