James Harold Lee, 79, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home. Born November 29, 1946, he was the son of the late Margie Clements Lee and Richard Vernon Lee.

Harold graduated from Littlefield High School in 1966, where he was a member of the football team that won the State Championship in 1965. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, attaining the rank of Specialist 5 Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. He continued his military service in the Army National Guard from 1969 to 1971.

In 1974, Harold began a distinguished career with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, dedicating 30 years to protecting and serving his community before retiring. Even after his retirement from the Patrol, Harold remained committed to public service by sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He taught at community colleges across the state, instructed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Johnston Community College, and was actively involved in the "Alive at 25" program, helping educate young drivers about safe and responsible driving.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00pm, in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors one-hour before the service, beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions can be made to the SECU Hospice House at Johnston Health Foundation Attn: Hospice Fund P.O. Box 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577.

Harold is survived by his lifetime partner of 38 years, Monnie Johnson Thompson and her son, William A. Thompson (Dawn) of Raleigh; brother, R.V. Lee (Paula) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; aunt, Naomi Lee Conley of Supply, North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Above all, Harold deeply cared for his family, his friends, and the community he faithfully served throughout his life.