Tradition in the English dictionary is defined as “the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation”. The late Roy and Kris Lee of Mount Vernon, Arkansas engraved tradition deep in their family’s roots. Roy and Kris Lee were the founders of the Flying L Rodeo Company, and to date is the oldest producing rodeo company in the state of Arkansas. The 2021 rodeo season marks 62 years of rodeo legacy left by Roy Lee and Kris Lee.

Roy and Kris Lee married in February of 1953. Roy was a cowboy from an early age. Bareback Riding was his love, but Saddle Bronc Riding and Bull Riding held a high place. He was a member of the Turtles Association which was the beginning of the PRCA. Kris Lee was the daughter of two doctors. While Kris was riding at a local horse boarding facility, located in Houston, Texas, Roy was also working there during this time. Kris ran off with the cowboy of her dreams, Roy, to get married and to experience a lot of love, hard work, and hard times.

It is well known that Roy and Kris had a love for horses, a good competition, and the sport of RODEO. In January of 1958, Roy and Kris Lee made one of the most difficult decisions of their life. They decided to move from Marlin, Texas to the little, sleepy town of Mount Vernon, Arkansas to start what is now known as Flying L Rodeo Company. Through a lot of trials and tribulations, Roy and Kris Lee have left a true legacy with a 62-year family rodeo tradition. For Roy and Kris, their main objective for putting on a rodeo was to make sure that they put on the best show they could for spectators.

During this time, Roy and Kris had four children: Robert “Bubba” Lee, Barbara Warren, Joyce Lee, and Jim Lee. Each of these children has since carried on the Flying L Rodeo tradition. The Flying L Rodeo family is now on the fourth generation of cowboys and cowgirls with a lot of success along the way.

Some of the many awards, memories and special events that Roy and Kris Lee took pride in were:

  • 1971 ARA Bareback and Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year
  • 1971 ARA Bucking Bull of the Year
  • 1971 ARA Producer of the Year
  • Helping with the development of the Arkansas Cowboys Association and being ACA cardholder #2
  • Roy enjoyed holding Wednesday night bucks outs with a devotional before starting to buck any livestock
  • Roy always made everyone feel welcomed

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