Eugene Lee Manning, Jr., formerly of Kernersville, passed away on September 7, 2026 in High Point surrounded by his family. He was born August 13, 1959 in Charlotte to Gene and Jo Ann Manning. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Lee Manning and a sister, Laura Ann Manning.
Spending his childhood and teen years in Charlotte, Lee was very involved in sports (football, baseball, and swim team). He graduated from South Mecklenburg High School and Western Carolina University.
Lee married the love of his life, DeAnne West Manning on November 22, 1986. Their son, Forrest Lee Manning was born in 1995 and is the pride and joy of their lives. Lee’s life was centered on family, faith, friends and fun. Lee, DeAnne and Forrest often traveled to the mountains and to beaches on the NC, SC and Florida coasts.
He was employed in industrial / engineering sales for many years. Outstanding customer service was Lee’s trademark and he worked hard to come up with solutions in a timely manner which was greatly appreciated by his clients. He was also known to dote on his customers with donuts and other treats to show his thankfulness for their continued business.
Fishing and golf were two favorite pastimes. He loved to cast a line in a creek or pond and in the ocean surf. (DeAnne and Forrest shared this hobby with him.) Lee played golf on countless hot summer days at the beach with his dad. A sports enthusiast, he was a Carolina Panthers fan.He was also adept in the kitchen and enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for his family. Lee had an artistic flair and could draw quirky cartoon pictures as well as painting pastoral scenes. Additionally, he had started writing a book that featured special needs people as Super Heroes.
A sense of humor was definitely part of Lee’s unique personality. He could speak in accents (Aussie was the best) and tell jokes and stories that made people laugh. His facial expressions were hilarious and even when his health began declining he could frown and raise an eyebrow to make you smile. He was known by the medical staff caring for him for his one-liners and comical remarks.
Lee kept in touch with high school and college friends over the years. He also kept in close connection with first cousins. Lee and his family were blessed by the outpouring of love and support during the last few years and especially recently.
Lee fought illness and cancer for a long time and persevered through multiple surgeries and treatments. His determination to keep living his life was steadfast until the end. His loving wife, son and other family members kept him encouraged, but it was his faith in the Lord that carried him.
Lee was a wonderful husband and father (aka “Padre”). He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. We are thankful to God for bringing Lee ever closer to Himself. Lee loved Jesus Christ and knew and believed that he would not be “home” until he was with Jesus in Heaven. We are grateful that Lee has now been healed and has been released from pain. Godspeed!
Lee is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, DeAnne Manning and their son, Forrest Lee Manning; mother, Jo Ann Manning; sister, Karen Manning Broome and husband, Michael; brother in law, Chuck West and wife Millicent. He is also survived by nieces, Merica Broome, Olivia Broome Barker, Jessica West Huffman, Madelyn West, Gracie West and nephew, Caleb Broome as well as many cousins.
Special thanks to the Trellis Hospice nurses for their care.
A huge heartfelt thank you goes out to family friend Taylor Amos for her many acts of kindness and care for Lee, DeAnne and the family.
As a nod to Lee and his casual and down to earth style, men are invited to wear a collared golf shirt to the service. (The GuilRand Memorial Park is a former 9-hole golf course. Lee would love that.)