Roll Call Tribute

Maurice Lee Niles 

August 31, 1953 - January 22, 2025 

Maurice "Lee" Niles was born in Bryan, Texas to George Alva (Alvie) and Polly Niles on August 31, 1953. He attended school in the A&M Consolidated school system, graduating in 1971. Growing up, Lee enjoyed playing catcher for the Senators in the College Station Little League program for a number of years under his father's coaching. In his high school years, he joined the band where he played the tuba, much to his sisters' dismay. During his senior year Lee led the marching band's half-time precision drills, many of which he choreographed himself. Lee's other passion was playing on the Tiger golf team, which cemented his love for the game.

After graduation, Lee attended Texas A&M University where he received his Meteorology degree in May, 1975. During his time at A&M, a good friend introduced him to a young lady from Brenham named Vernell Finke. They dated for a number of years while Lee worked at Goldthwaite's in Houston learning irrigation work. The experience he got there would set the stage for his career going forward.

Lee married Vernell on July 28, 1979. He returned to A&M to get his degree in Civil Engineering, graduating in August 1981.The couple moved back to Houston where Lee began his career in civil engineering with Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam Engineering. The company transferred him to San Antonio later that year. In 1985 Lee started Southern Irrigation Consultants, an irrigation design and installation company. His work took him all over North and South America, and his reputation led to his collaboration on many high-profile projects, including the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, Greenbriar in West Virginia, Winged Foot in New York, Miramont in Bryan and the A&M golf course.

In 2000 Lee went to work with Pape-Dawson Engineers in San Antonio, where he worked until his death. His division worked on water and waste- water master planning and utility design in San Antonio and across the state. During his time at the firm, Lee enjoyed mentoring young engineers and collaborating with co-workers. He participated in the company's numerous charitable and volunteer activities. His love of golf led him to share his expertise with the Alamo City Golf Trail, working to upgrade many of the courses across the city and ultimately serve as the organization's Chairman for 5 years.

Lee was an active member of his church and enjoyed participating in church projects and Men's Bible Study. He was a proud Aggie who enjoyed supporting A&M sports, especially the football program. If there was not an Aggie game, Lee could probably be found on the golf course with his golf buddies or working in his yard. But "Papa's" favorite pass time was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Lee was welcomed into heaven on January 22nd, 2025 by his mother, Polly Niles and sons Steven and Matthew. Left to remember his humor, generosity and joy for life are his wife Vernell, son Luke Niles and wife Misty, daughters Jessica Cheyney and husband Michael, Abby McCartney and husband Jason, grandchildren Miles, Maverick, Tilly, Major, Stefan, Roman, Brittney, Nicholas, Emma and Caiden, father George Niles, sisters Annie Jackson, Brenda Niles and Terry Davis, many nieces and nephews and their children, his Fuego breakfast taco buddy, nephew Curtis Jackson, close friends Holly and Dave Filer, Katy and Will Truelove and numerous friends and colleagues.

A service to celebrate Lee's life was held February 5, 2025 at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio.