Celebrating the Life of Jerry Lee Bee

Jerry Lee Bee, 83, of Elkhorn City, Kentucky, embarked on his next great adventure on August 7, 2026, at Pikeville Medical Center. Born in Chicago on January 22, 1943, Jerry lived a life marked by service, laughter, and a touch of heroism.

Jerry’s professional life was one of genuine compassion. As a funeral director and mortician for Justice, Caniff, and Bailey Funeral Homes, he brought comfort to many. He had a playful spirit and a striking resemblance to Christopher Reeve; to many local children, he was their very own Superman. He embraced the role wholeheartedly, often wearing a Superman shirt beneath his suit—a secret hero’s uniform that brought smiles to faces when they needed it most.

Beyond his professional career, Jerry was a pillar of the Elkhorn City community and devoted much of his life to serving others. He was instrumental in establishing the Elkhorn City Ambulance Service. His commitment to his community also included more than 35 years of service with the Elkhorn City Volunteer Fire Department and several years with the Elkhorn City Police Department. In his retirement, he served as a transport driver for Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation, where he became a favorite companion to the residents. Whether through his unique sense of humor or the stories he shared, Jerry had an uncanny ability to brighten any room he walked into.

Jerry is now reunited with his beloved wife of 20 years, Thelma. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lorene Bee; his brothers, Henry “Bud”, Robert, James, and Leo Bee; his sister, Buena Vista “Ann” Phillips; and a bonus grandson, David Belcher.

He leaves behind his brother, Everett Bee (Christiana) of Heppenheim, Germany; his sisters: Phyllis Beers of Naples, Florida; Georgia Anderson-Bartley (Goebel) of Livonia, Michigan; Dorothy Bee of Blountville, Tennessee; and Mary Ferran of Elkhorn City; his children: Lori Halupa (Michael) of Massapequa, New York; Shannon Wisniewski (Bob) of Merrick, New York; and Dawn Bee-Ferguson (Robert) of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren: Johnna Adams (John); Chelsea and Emily Halupa, Nick (Bre) and Joey Wisniewski, Roger Kephart (Madison); his great-grandchildren: Dakota Wisniewski; Lillie, Ellie, and Colton Kephart.

Jerry also leaves behind his bonus family, which includes children: Shawn Helton of Elkhorn City; Doveda Schill (Michael) of Wichita, Kansas; Sabrina Richerson (Duane) of Fairdale, West Virginia; Dwayne Fleming (DeanRita) of Ashcamp; and Jonathan Adams of Lexington; grandchildren: Nikki Chapman (Kenneth), Michael (Rachel) and Joseph Fleming, and Josie Jones (Jackie), and Jonathan Adams of Lexington; daughter-in-law Destiny Belcher; great grandchildren: Gracie and Kole Chapman, Arya Fleming, and Eden Belcher.

Bailey Funeral Home of Elkhorn City is handling the arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date.