Dorsey Lee Townsend, Jr. departed this life on August 11, 2026 in the place he loved, Cross Creek, Florida. Lee, as he was known, was born in Gainesville, Florida on October 31, 1954, and lived nearly all his life in Cross Creek. He was a graduate of Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, Florida. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1972 to 1975. He was an aircraft maintenance technician and served as a crew chief for A-7D jets while stationed at the Korat RTAFB in Thailand. Lee attained the rank of Airman First Class prior to his deployment in 1973.
Lee retired as a Park Ranger from the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in 2020. Visitors, coworkers, and friends fondly recall his enjoyment in sharing his knowledge and stories of the Creek. Prior to working as a Park Ranger, Lee was employed at the University of Florida from 1989-2003. He held a variety of positions there, including mechanic at Coastal Engineering. Among other things, he was also a commercial fisherman, following in his father’s footsteps. His father also worked for Marjorie Rawlings, and was one of the Townsends immortalized in her book, Cross Creek. Lee was very proud of this history.
He was known to some as the Honorary Mayor of Cross Creek. Lee may have spent more time on Orange and Lochloosa Lakes than he did on dry land. He was a natural at imitating the calls of the Creek’s wildlife. He loved his birds, critters, and his cat, ‘Possum. When encountering Lee, he was bound to be barefoot, with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye. When he wasn’t on the lake or in the woods, Lee enjoyed listening to music and playing guitar. He was a genius with crossword puzzles and was known for his “Leeisms.” He frequently called his wife and kids “just to tell you I love you.”
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Dorsey Lee Townsend, Sr. and Marietta (Ford) Townsend; his brothers Robert “Bobby,” Garry Joe; and sister Opal. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna Green-Townsend; his children, Ellie (Andy Johnson), Jessie (John Armstrong), Dorsey Lee Townsend, III; and five grandchildren: Emeline, Johnny, Connor, Emma, and one on the way. He is also survived by his brothers, Ray (Charlotte), John (Kathy); sister Linda (Jim); and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 11 a.m. at the New Cross Creek Baptist Church in Cross Creek (18921 Co. Rd. 325, Hawthorne, FL 32640). A private burial will be held at the Townsend Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Cross Creek Baptist Church.
