Francis Lee Byce Jr., affectionately known as “Big Lee,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens at the age of 71.
A lifelong resident of Greensboro, Lee was born on June 7, 1954, to Frances Christine Cook Byce and the late Francis Lee Byce Sr.
Lee attended Greene County High School and graduated from Nathanael Greene Academy in 1972. He went on to graduate from Middle Georgia College before attending Georgia College. On July 10, 1976, he married his beloved wife Pamela Jordan of Blakely, Georgia, and together they shared 49 years of marriage.
Lee had a fulfilling career as a timber manager for Georgia Kraft Company, after which he took on the role of golf course superintendent at Reynolds Plantation. At the time of his passing, he was working as a receptionist and funeral assistant at McCommons Funeral Home.
Known for his love of the outdoors, Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking drives around Greensboro to visit friends. He cherished spending time with his family, especially at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. Lee was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Greensboro.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pam Byce of Greensboro; his son, Jordan Byce (Kristin) of Watkinsville; his daughter, Brooke Byce Marshall of Greensboro; his sister, Beth Williams (Chuck) of Watkinsville. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cill White (Rodney); brother-in-law, Joe Jordan (Beverly); and many other relatives and dear friends.
The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his beloved grandchildren, Blakely Marshall, and Cason and Collins Byce.
A memorial service to honor Lee’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the First Baptist Church, located at 203 S. Main Street, Greensboro 30642. The Rev. Joe Jordan will officiate the service.
The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1 p.m., prior to the service, and also after the service.
Honorary pallbearers include Benjie Boswell, John Boswell, Eddy Thaxton, Cleve Gambrell, Keith Porter, Charles Crumbley, Joey Fleming, Ray Sellers, Wynn Copelan and Butch Foust.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Forestry Foundation, P.O. Box 1217, Forsyth, GA 31029, Attn: Forest Champion Donation, or to the Georgia Wildlife Federation, 11600 Hazelbrand Road NE, Covington, GA 30014.
Arrangements are being handled by McCommons Funeral Home, located at 109 W. Broad Street, Greensboro. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register at mccommonsfuneralhome.com.