Georgia-Made Meat

David Lee spent many Saturday mornings and high school summers working at the family meat products business in Alma with his family. Family and loyal employees have built the foundation of D.L. Lee & Sons, founded in 1930.

Today, David is president and co-owner of the business with his cousin, Jerry Lee. The family company makes valued-added meat products, including ham, bacon, sausage and hot dogs. D.L. Lee & Sons is known for its quality meat products throughout the southeastern U.S. under the names of Lee, Georgia Boy, Andy’s Grill Delights and various private labels. They sell products to grocery store chains, such as Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarkets and Bi-Lo. They also export smoked meats to Puerto Rico.

David’s sons and Jerry’s son all work in the family business. The fourth generation enters at a time with the best products and largest distribution network in D.L. Lee & Sons’ 85-year history, Lee says.

Product demand peaks around the holidays, with about 5.5 to 6 million pounds of meat sold per month in October, November and December, Lee says. The company temporarily hires an additional 20 employees to ramp up production during this season.

Throughout the year, the company employs 300 people and ranks among the largest employers in Alma. Some employees have a record of working 50 or more years in the company. Some have children who came to work for the business, a further testament to the commitment to quality, Georgia-made meat products.