Robert "Lee" Curnell, born to Josh and Margaret Curnell on October 11, 1933, in Calvert, Texas. He received his formal education in Calvert, TX, where he played football at Calvert Colored High School. He later moved to Dallas, Texas. Robert loved working and watching sports. Robert accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Ervay Cedar Baptist Church under the tutelage of his late uncle William Harlan, Sr. and later became a faithful member of Faithful Missionary Baptist Church. Robert worked for the City of Dallas. He also had his own businesses known as Lee Janitorial Service.

Robert is predeceased by his parents: Josh and Margaret Curnell, four brothers: Link Williams, Willie Curnell, Josh Curnell, and Windom Harlan and three sisters: Hazel Williams, Rose Marie Evans, Linda Darnell Butler.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: wife, Sandra Curnell, two sons: Michael Jefferson Sr. (Teresa) and Reginald Lee Grant (Jackie), a Godson, Reginald Jones (DeShundra), and a special niece, Sandra Jackson. A granddaughter, Autumn Grant and three grandsons, Michael Jefferson, II, (Alisha), Tarik "Lee" Jefferson (Ebony), and Malik Jefferson. Four great grandchildren: Yanni Jefferson, Talion Jefferson, Elisha Jefferson, Sarah Jefferson. Two stepdaughters: Nicole Everett (Andre) and Stephani Harper (Fred) and family. As well as a host of relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.