Chalis Lee Burcham

Chalis “Lee” Burcham

Chalis, lovingly known as “Lee” to his family and friends, was born on January 7, 1946, in Scottown, Ohio, just four months and five days after the end of World War II. He was raised on a tobacco farm alongside his seven siblings: Jo Ann, Patty, Lorna, Travis, Collis, John William, Dwight, and Roger. Lee grew up on the family’s 99-acre farm, where he lived until the age of 18 and created many cherished memories, including spending time at his favorite swimming hole.

On November 17, 1966, Lee joined the U.S. Navy, a decision that would ultimately lead him to the love of his life, Billie Lee Haney, whom he met on a beach in sunny California. Lee and Billie were married on June 21, 1969, in a beautiful church wedding in Bellflower, California. They honeymooned near the Disneyland Hotel and began building a life together filled with love, faith, sacrifice, and devotion to family.

The couple first lived in a small apartment until the birth of their son, Charles, on September 9, 1970. They later moved into a family apartment before purchasing their first new home in Cerritos, California, in 1972. Lee and Billie worked hard together to provide for their family. Billie worked during the day while Lee cared for Charles, and in the evenings, they would switch roles as Lee headed off to work at night.

In May 1974, Lee, Billie, and Charles traveled back to Ohio to visit Lee’s family. During that trip, they attended services at Good Hope United Baptist Church in Crown City, Ohio, the little country church on the hill that held special meaning to Lee and his family. There, Lee and Billie accepted the Lord as their Savior and were baptized on June 9, 1974, in the very swimming hole Lee had loved as a boy on the family farm.

In 1977, Lee and his family moved into the second new house they purchased together, where they would live for the next 49 years. On January 10, 1981, they welcomed their daughter, Brandie, completing their family.

Lee and Billie celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 21, 2019. Just days later, Billie passed away on the morning of July 4, 2019, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories with the man who loved her deeply.

Lee was a hardworking and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved building and creating things for his home and took great joy in helping his grandsons with their school projects. He took pride in maintaining his half-acre property by himself, work that kept him active, fulfilled, and young at heart.

Surrounded by the love of his family, Lee passed away peacefully at his residence on May 15, 2026.

Lee leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Charles and Brandie; his grandsons, Charles II and Brannon; and his siblings, Roger, Dwight, Jo Ann, Patty, and Lorna.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.