IRVIN ARNOLD LEE (AGE 68) OF TEMPLE HILLS, MD.

Irvin A. Lee, born August 29, 1948 in La Plata, Maryland to the late James I. Lee and Sally E. Bivins went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Genesis in La Plata, Maryland. Sonnyboy, as he was affectionately called was the first of eight children.

Sonnyboy received his education in the Charles County Public School system, graduating from La Plata High School in 1968. He was a remarkable basketball player while in high school. As Center, he was recognized in the national league where he placed second for rebounds. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he repaired weapons and managed the supply of weapons. He continued to play basketball in his spare time. He enrolled in Charles County Community College upon his honorable discharge from the army.

He was employed with the U. S. Postal Service Facilities Department for several years. After leaving the Postal Service, Sonnyboy became self-employed as a cab driver in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Because he was an independent person, he enjoyed being a cab driver until he became ill.

Sonnyboy's favorite past time was reading, watching old Westerns (over and over again), Andy Griffith and Star Trek. He also enjoyed watching his favorite teams; the Washington Redskins and the Bullets/Wizards. Often times, if his teams were not playing as well as he thought, he would immediately turn back to those old westerns. He also enjoyed listening to oldies and dancing. He came in second place in a dance contest back in the day with a classmate who we won't mention, but we are sure she is here today.

In addition to his parents, Sonnyboy was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Catherine (Kittenboo) Palacios (Miguel); three grandsons, Damian, Jacinto and Mateo; siblings, Michael, Richard (LaVerne), Debbie, Jack (June), Donnie and Eric (Sussie); beloved aunts and uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9:00 am until time of service, 11:00 am, Saturday, February 4, 2017, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.

Interment, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646.