Homer Lee Conley

Homer Lee Conley ( Lee) was born in Tampa, Florida, on June 3, 1937, and went home to be with the Lord on March 14, 2026, at AUS Senior Living in Bartow, Florida.

Lee was predeceased by his father and mother, Byron and Marylee Conley, and his brothers Warren Conley, Paul Conley, and Dale Conley. He is survived by his wife of 64+ years, Gayle West Conley; his sons Lanny Conley and Kenny Conley; his daughter in law Betty Conley; his beloved grandson Andrew Conley; his siblings Louetta Moore, Norma Cannon, Mary Henderson, Jim Conley, Barbara Newell, and Ruth Trainor; and his sisters in laws Arlene (Warren) Conley, Virginia (Paul) Conley, and Iris (Dale) Conley; and many nieces and nephews.

Lee’s father was a Church of Christ preacher, and the family moved from Tampa to various locations in Florida and Georgia. They moved from Alma, Georgia, to Bartow in September 1949 and lived for a while in the barracks at the Bartow Air Base before moving to a home on Highway 60 East and, eventually, to a home they built at 860 Turner Street in Bartow.

Lee attended school in Bell, Florida; Alma, Georgia; and at Summerlin Institute (Bartow Junior- Senior High School) where he began in the 7th grade and graduated in 1955. He was active in sports- track, baseball, and football – after graduation went to Troy State College on a football scholarship. After 3 years at Troy, he returned to Bartow and went to work for Imperial Lumber Company.

Lee and Gayle met in late 1960, married on September 2, 1961, and were blessed with two devoted sons, a cherished daughter-in-law, and an amazing grandson! Lee was actively involved at Peace Creek Baptist Church- driving the church van, mowing the lawn, and doing whatever he could to be of service to the church. Lee was hard-working and diligent throughout his life. He never lost his love for sports as evidenced by his many years of involvement with Dixie Youth Baseball in Bartow and his love for Bartow High School sports- especially the Bartow Lady Jackets Softball Team!

If you wish, in lieu of flowers you might consider a donation to Peace Creek Baptist Church at 3070 Highway 60 East, Bartow, Florida 33830 or to Bartow Booster Club/Softball, Bartow High School, 1270 South Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830.

Family will receive friends Monday, March 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral service will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow.