Thousands of men across the country and around the world have claimed Warren G. Lee, Jr. as a mentor. Their expressions were shared on social media upon hearing of his passing on Monday, July 18. It was clear that he impacted people's lives during his lifespan.

Many talked about his character, his resolve, and his commitment. A life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Lee served as the 38th International Grand Basileus (President) and embodied the spirit of the organization’s cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college. Many of his chapter brothers were with him a week prior to his death when they all attended the Theta Alpha Chapter retreat. Basileus Aaron Brown said in a chapter statement, “The Brothers of Theta Alpha Chapter offer our condolences to the family and our Brothers during this time. We are all deeply hurt by this loss; yet, find comfort in the collective Brotherhood and Friendship of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.”

“He was active and stayed the entire time and was actively involved,” said Derrick Payne, former Theta Alpha president. He was also committed and engaged.

According to Payne, Lee was planning on attending the organization’s national conclave in Charlotte, NC, July 21-26, 2022, because he was looking forward to presenting 50-year pins to several Dallas area Omega Men. Lee was initiated into the fraterni at the University of Texas - Eta Theta Chapter in 1971 and in 1972. He was elected to the student position on the national board as second Vice-Grand Basileus.

A life of Service

His service continued over the years, and he was elected to several positions, including Keeper of Finance (Treasurer) and 1st Vice Basileus (President). Lee emphasized leadership through the mantra, “Making A Difference In The Lives Of Black People.” He mentored young men from around the world while organizing and executing countless social action programs; and donating millions to worthy causes.

But Lee was not just a brother to his fraternity members. Ambassador Ron Kirk was a groomsman when Lee married Lorraine Green and considers him to be one of his oldest and dearest friends. Kirk, who served as Dallas’ first African American Mayor, is Godfather to Lee’s son, Warren G. Lee III.

He described Lee as a “good man who was incredibly decent, loyal, smart and loved his church and golf.”
Kirk said his friend even convinced him to seek membership in the fraternity he loved so much and while he started the process, Kirk never completed membership. But that didn’t end their relationship.

“We remained friends, always,” said Kirk.

Willie Hinchen joined the fraternity a year after Lee, who received his 50-year pin last year, along with State Senator Royce West. The senator was speechless when he received word of Lee’s passing. The two were close and West was clearly moved.

“This is hard,” he said.

Lee was at UT, West at UTA, and Hinchen at Jarvis Christian during college, and they all ended up in the Theta Alpha Chapter, after graduation.

“He was a frat brother and a friend,” said Hinchen, adding that he is still processing the loss. “He did my taxes for over 30 years and we both attended each other’s son’s entrance into the frat.”

If I could use one word to describe him, it would be “outstanding,” added Hinchen. “Warren was an outstanding man. He made me better!”

Omega Psi Phi will hold a wake service, which will entail revelations and remarks, on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at 7 pm at Antioch Baptist Church 7550 S. Hampton Road, Dallas, Texas 75232. A funeral service will be on Aug. 5, 2022, at Antioch Baptist Church, 7550 S. Hampton Road, Dallas, Texas 75232 at 10 a.m.

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