By Dan Corcoran

EUGENE, Ore. -- Friends, family and loyal customers of Papa's Soul Food Kitchen are saying farewell to the man whose restaurant bears his nickname.

Ted Lee, also known as "Papa," passed away of heart failure on Wednesday night. He was 43.

As the owner of Papa's Soul Food Kitchen, Lee was known for his food and his humor. He was also known for transplanting the spirit and flavor of the Deep South into Eugene's Whiteaker neighborhood.

A family man and a businessman, "Papa" was also a man with music pumping through his veins. Friends and coworkers say that the unique menu served at the restaurant will serve as Lee's legacy.

The staff at Soul Food Kitchen is vowing to carry on "Papa's" work. A memorial is growing outside the restaurant, though no funeral arrangements or public memorial services have been made.

Lee leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 5 and 10.