Lee Jay Essig

Lee Jay Essig, born June 2, 1947, to Jay and Josephine Essig. He peacefully passed away in his home on August 18, 2023. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his loving sister, Joyce Rushton and beloved wife, Kathryn Hope Essig.

He lived his life on his own terms, cherishing every moment. He was a devoted Daddy, loving Paw Paw, and a cherished friend to many. His passion for nature and the great outdoors was evident in everything he did. Lee found solace in spending time at the beach and in the hill country, appreciating the beauty of the world around him.

Professionally, Lee was a highly skilled master carpenter who possessed a remarkable talent for constructing exquisite log homes and boats. He also possessed a brilliant talent for laying rock, leaving a lasting impact on the landscapes he worked on. Lee developed a deep fascination for Lionel trains, which began as a young child. In his free time he enjoyed working in his yard, nurturing his love for trees and nature. Lee's creativity and ingenuity were exemplified by the giant saw he built out of an old school bus frame, enabling him to cut enormous cedar logs.

Lee is survived by his three daughters, Vicki Burris (Mike), Cindy Francis (Thomas), and Gina Schaefer (Tom), as well as his step-daughter, Norma Seal. He was a proud Paw Paw to Brooke Stone (Joe), Michael Francis (Amie ), Skylar Miller (Ross), Cameron Schaefer, and Conner Lee Tucker. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Ireland Decker, Logan Decker, Rylan Stone, Camden Stone, Hayden Miller, Beckham Stone, Oliver Francis, and Brynlee Stone.

Lee Jay Essig, a dedicated student at Flour Bluff ISD, achieved a remarkable record by never missing a single day of school throughout his 12 years of education. This impressive accomplishment is commemorated in his high school yearbook for all to admire and celebrate. Lee played the trombone throughout high school and won a scholarship! Sadly, while horsing around in the band hall, he accidentally broke his front teeth, which left him devastated. Despite the setback, he held onto his high school trombone all these years. From the moment Lee graduated, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. Riding his cherished Harley Davidson motorcycle across the USA, he embraced the freedom of the open road. Lee pursued every dream and aspiration, leaving no stone unturned. He lived life to the fullest and didn't draw a breath that wasn't free.

Lee Jay Essig will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his unwavering spirit, love for nature, and zest for life. May his soul find eternal peace as he rides into the sunset, his legacy forever imprinted in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His last few words, "It's been a fun ride!"

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Lee Jay Essig. We gather to honor and cherish the beautiful memories we shared with him.

Date: Saturday, Sept 16, 2023
Time: 5pm-?
Location - Directions:     Once on the island, turn left on Whitecap Blvd, go strait until you are on the beach. Turn right and we will be a short ways down. Look for balloons and a Burnt Orange Toyota Tundra. We will have white tents up as well. We will serve Lee's all time favorite: Whataburgers, chips and drinks! We'll have games and stuff for the kids too and a bonfire when the sun goes down.

During this special celebration, we will come together to share stories, laughter, and reflect on the extraordinary life of the "one and only", Lee Jay Essig. Together, we will create a remembrance that will forever honor his legacy.

Your presence would mean a great deal to us as we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of our Daddy. We look forward to joining hands in remembering the joy, love, and light that he brought into our lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lee's daughters:
Vicki, Cindy and Gina

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lee Jay Essig, please visit our floral store.