Lee Roy Hazlitt

Lee Roy Hazlitt, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Baptist East Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Batesville, Mississippi. A reception will follow the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Magee, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s/St John’s Catholic Community.

Born on November 28, 1944, in Rockford, Illinois, Lee was the beloved son of the late Charles Ray Hazlitt and Elizabeth Consiglio. He honorably served in the United States Air Force, exemplifying the values of discipline, dedication, and service.

At just 18 years old, Lee began a long and successful career with AT&T, eventually becoming a respected vendor liaison manager. Known for his integrity and leadership, he retired early at the age of 49—a milestone that marked the beginning of his next chapter as a serial entrepreneur and community connector.

After retiring, Lee fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a pine tree farm in Crenshaw, Mississippi. From that beautiful landscape, he launched his beloved pine straw business, earning the nickname “Straw Boss.” It was more than a business—it was a reflection of his deep appreciation for nature and hard work.

Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit led him into a variety of ventures over the years, from renting cell phones to golfers in the late ’80s and early ’90s, to operating a 1-900 car information service, to opening Buffalo’s Café restaurants in Cumming, Georgia, and Memphis, Tennessee. Lee had a passion for new ideas, a head for business, and a heart for people. Whether he was mentoring others or sharing wisdom, he wanted everyone he met to find success—no matter where they were starting from.

A true people person, Lee never met a stranger. His charisma, warmth, and kindness left an impact on everyone he encountered. He had a gift for storytelling, an endless supply of jokes, and a deep sense of generosity. If someone needed help, Lee was the first to offer it—without hesitation.

He loved having friends and family over to his home and was known for hosting countless gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and good food. Every morning, he could be found holding court with his group of close friends at McDonald’s, solving the world’s problems over an egg McMuffin and plenty of Diet Coke. His sweet tooth was legendary, especially his fondness for Oreos.

Lee also had a playful love of music and could make up lyrics to any tune—always keeping the mood light and joyful. His greatest pride, however, was his family. He adored his wife, Peggy, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He beamed with pride whenever he spoke about his daughters, Dana and Shauna, and loved being “Geepotter” to his grandchildren.

Lee was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and his faith was a steady compass in his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Hazlitt of Crenshaw, MS; two daughters, Dana Teagarden of West Palm Beach, FL, and Shauna Courtney (Larry) of Cumming, GA; his brother, Jim Hazlitt of Pearl, MS; and three cherished grandchildren: Micah Teagarden, McKenzie Teagarden, and Aidan Courtney.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson, Austin Teagarden.

Lee Hazlitt lived a life full of love, laughter, friendship, and faith. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and joy—and a forest of pine trees that will stand as a tribute to the dreams he made real.