Samuel Ramey Lee, Jr.

Samuel Ramey Lee, Jr., affectionately known as Sam, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, family, laughter, and service to others. 

Born on July 14, 1937, in Miami, Florida, Sam was the son of Samuel Ramey Lee and Lillian Wade Jordan Lee. He graduated from Miami Edison High School before proudly enlisting in the United States Army. Following his military service, Sam continued his education, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his Master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. 

Sam devoted much of his life to education, touching countless lives throughout his career as a math teacher, coach, principal, and eventually an Assistant Superintendent in Collier County where he and his family proudly called Immokalee their home for 14 years. He believed in the importance of education and leadership and dedicated his professional life to making a difference in the lives of students, teachers, and his community. 

While his accomplishments were many, those who knew Sam best will remember him for so much more. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter, a gifted storyteller, and a man with a wonderful sense of humor. He could tell a story like no one else, often leaving those around him laughing and wanting to hear just one more. 

For the past 31 years, Sam was a faithful member of Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand, where he was a devoted Sunday School teacher. His faith was an important part of his life, and he found great joy in sharing his love of God and His Word with others. 

Above all else, Sam loved his family. He was the proud patriarch of a family that loved him deeply and will forever cherish the memories, stories, laughter, wisdom, and love he shared. 

Sam is survived by his beloved and proud wife of 64 years, Carolyn Glaze Lee; his daughter, Lisa Lucero (Mike); his son, Lance (Danielle); and his daughter, Lori (Bobby). 

He was a proud “Poppy” to his grandchildren: Michael, Megan (Jeff), Justin, Sam (Dorie), Parker (Sarah), Taylor (Caleb), Lance Jr. (Ally), and Breanna; and great-grandchildren: Sarah (Isaac), Alex, Logan, Karter, Addie, Lincoln, Jake, Elisabeth, and Jackson. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramey and Lillian Lee; his brother, Bill Lee; and his lifelong best friend, Bill Moremen, whom Sam loved and thought of as a brother. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Samuel Ramey Lee, Jr. will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at Stetson Baptist Church. Viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at DeLand Memorial Gardens. 

Sam lived a long and meaningful life, filled with faith, service, laughter, and love. While his family will miss him more than words could ever express, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and, most importantly, through the family he loved so dearly.