Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Hedge End fish and chip shop worker described as a 'pillar of the community' following his death aged 86.
Henry Lee died on April 25, leaving behind three children, Shane, Nathan and Rebecca, as well as 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was a familiar face to generations of customers who visited the family-run chippy, J Henry's, in Hedge End after supporting his family while also driving a lorry for a living.
Henry’s grandson, Sonny Lee, 32, shared fond memories of working alongside him from a young age.
He said: "I have so many funny memories of my grandad - I would always work the lunchtime shift with him after I finished school when I was about 10 or 11.
"He loved a drink from the off-licence across the road, which is now Domino’s, and would always buy a can of beer.
"The customers used to love how generous he was - always throwing in an extra sausage for free at the end of the day."
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Some of Henry’s favourite Hedge End watering holes included the Hedge End Social Club, the former Fountain pub on Granada Road, the Pear Tree in Boorley Green and the Royal British Legion in Botley, which is now a doctor’s surgery.
Mr Lee lived at Tripps End Mobile Home Park for more than 20 years and was a lover of rock and roll music.
Sonny added: "Other the last few days messages have been pouring in with funny stories of him - he was really a pillar of the local Hedge End community
"I remember once a customer came in after they had a break-in and their wallet stolen - he fixed them a meal completely free of charge."
Henry’s son, Shane Lee, 61, said his father had played a key role in building the family business.
He added: "My dad played a massive role in helping me get the chippy business off the ground.
"He was a lorry driver from London but would always come and work with the family in the shop - he was here on opening day back in 1988.
"He was very hard-working, always so kind to people and he absolutely loved the pub.
"Since he died, so many people have shared their memories of him with us.
"When my son John, who was only 16 at the time, started running the Cod Father in Hedge End in 1999, his grandfather Henry was there to help him every step of the way."
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