Dennis Michael Lee

Dennis Michael Lee, 78, of Bridgeport, Texas passed away on December 28, 2023.

Dennis was born on April 14, 1945 in Minot, North Dakota to Pearlie and Helen Lee. He inherited his love and steadfast work ethic for ranching and training horses from his parents, and while competing in the rodeo circuit of 1966, he met his match in the gifted horsewoman, Terilynn Jo Todd of Neodesha, Kansas. The two married in 1967 before moving just south of Billings, Montana where they helped with managing the Lee family farm and ranch in Blue Creek.

Dennis and Teri had four children together: Stacia (1967), Chad (1970), Nathan (1981) and Michael (1983) prior  to venturing out on their own in 1987 by establishing Walking 9 Ranch & Performance Horses in Paradise, Texas. Dennis made a name for himself as a prominent competitor and clinician in cutting and reining arenas across the United States and Europe. His students often described him as having a fatherly disposition that could bridge language barriers and facilitate mesmerizing moments of connection and synchrony between horse and rider.

In his later years, Dennis’s health prevented him from spending time in the saddle. This loss led him to deepening in his devotion to and fervent understanding of Biblical scholarship. Akin to his abilities to inspire equestrians, he could electrify Bible study groups with his soul-stirring and unequivocal dedication to seeking and serving the Holy Spirit, emblematic of his captivation with Romans 8:26.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Pearlie and Helen Lee; his sister, Yvonne Lee; and his grandchild, Elijah Michael Lee.

He will be deeply missed by his surviving siblings: Sheri, Charlie, and Jay; his children: Stacia, Chad (Holly), Nathan, Michael (Amie Grace); his grandchildren: Teri Sterling, Noah, Loralai, Isaiah, Peter, Zachary, Zane, and Ethan; and his other relatives and a whole host of close friends.

A celebration of life will be officiated by Pastor, Jeff Tackett at the Wise County Cowboy Church at 2PM on Sunday, April 14, 2024. The church is located at 2070 Old Denton Hwy in Decatur, Texas.