Allen Lee

Just Folks

Allen Lee of Sallisaw comes from a long line of people who have owned businesses in Sallisaw.

Lee, 35, however, enjoys spending time with his family which led him to give up his job doing pipeline work to mow lawns.

“I mowed lawns for about a year before deciding to began my own business and I just love it,” he said.

“The best part about it is being outdoors and sometimes taking my children with me. They enjoy riding the machinery or just being able to be outside and going with me to the different places I mow grass or do other yard work,” he said.

He and his wife, Hannah, have four children, Camden, 4, Landen, 8, Ashlynn, 12, and Cadence, 14. He said the family enjoys spending time on Lake Tenkiller whether its on a boat or other water-related activities.

Another advantage, Lee said, is he gets to attend his children’s sports or schoolrelated activities which is something he could not do while working out of town.

Born and raised in Sallisaw, Lee, is a 2006 graduate of Sallisaw High School. He said during the summer months he can work every day of the week mowing lawns.

“We’re getting ready for the busy season of mowing lawns,” he said.

“People who spray their lawns don’t have to worry about weeds or the purple flowers which are starting to come up about now. They spread a lot of pollen so a lot of people spray their lawns to prevent them from coming up,” he said.

“The regular lawns with a little bit of sun will be ready to be mowed in April once the rains slow down,” he said.

Lee said he does not mind working under extreme hot weather conditions.

“Come summer time when the temperatures climb way up there, I get people asking me how I can work out in the heat like I do. I just tell them I’d rather work when it’s hot. I’m not a winter person which is one thing I hated about pipeline work. I’d rather be out working when it’s hot than cold,” he said.

Growing up in Sallisaw, Lee said he has seen many changes taking place in the community.

“I think the biggest change took place when they opened the super center on the south end of town. It seems we lost some businesses in the downtown area at that time. But now it seems to be picking up and the downtown area is starting to look really nice,” he said.

His grandfather, Wilburn Lee, established Lee’s Tire Service years ago, he said, which is now Emerson’s Paint & Body. His uncle, Harold Lee, owned and operated a convenience store, he said.

“It’s good to see Sallisaw growing like it is. They’re getting ready to open up a Big Lots store there by the Tractor Supply store so I think it’s great,” he said.

Lee said he’s looking forward to summer so he can begin mowing for his regular customers.

“I get some who might want their lawns cut one time but since I’ve been doing this beginning in 2011, I have a lot of regular customers who rely on my service every year,” he said.

During off seasons, he works on other lawn care service including trees and installing french drains, he said.

Lee says his lawn care service is a Christian- based business. He and his family attend the Way of the Cross Church and also Watts Holiness Church, both located in Sequoyah County.

“I’m just thankful to God for the job He’s provided for me. I believe God put me where I need to be. He’s blessed me and my family, and I can sleep in my own bed at night,” he said, smiling.

Just Folks. Just Folks is Your TIMES way of honoring the regular people of Sequoyah County, recognizing their unique talents, personalities, jobs, abilities, etc. Your TIMES appreciates the cooperation of each Just Folks and the public’s nominations for this feature. If you know of someone you think might be a good story, contact Amie or Lynn at 918-775-4433.