Arthur Lee Straus, Sr., son of the late Nathaniel, Sr., and Betty Straus, was born April 28, 1956. Also, preceding him in death were three brothers, Joseph "Zelly" Winston, Henry Mitchell Braxton and Nathaniel "Man" Straus, Jr.

At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined Providence Baptist Church, Ashland, Virginia. He served on the Usher Ministry, Sr. Choir, Men's Chorus and Hospitality Committee.  Lee attended Hanover County Public Schools and later received his GED. His employment history includes Whitehead, Bell Atlantic, and Hanover County.

Lee was a diehard fan of the Washington Football Team and had a passion for playing cornhole. You could find him with friends at McDonald's in the morning enjoying coffee and a chicken biscuit and the afternoon he would sometime catch up with them at Walmart. Lee believed in the power of prayer and would make his rounds on Sunday afternoons praying with family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Sheila Straus; four sons, Arthur, Jr. and Daron (Stacie) Straus, Shannon (Elena) Lewis and Devin Dandridge; two daughters, Sharonda Lewis and Eunica (Neil) Terrell; eighteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters, Gloria Arnold, Freda Straus and Theresa Straus; one brother, Freddie Straus; one uncle, George Winston; ten nieces; nine nephews; a host of great-nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Louise Lewis; devoted friends, Markham Cash, Sam Gruell and Sherwood Mason, along with Straus and Lewis family members.