Obituary

Roderick Bernard Lee was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 28, 1955. He was the

oldest of seven children of the late James Jr. and Frances Lee. Affectionately known as Rod, he

was educated in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and was a 1974 graduate of East

Mecklenburg High School.

He honorably served in the United States Army Reserves as a Construction Draftsman. He began

his working career at ServiceMaster and continued in roles with Paul B. Williams and ResCare.

He closed out his career at Unique Caring Foundation before his retirement.

He accepted Christ as a young adult and was an inaugural member of Greater New Life Baptist

Church under the pastoral care of Dr. D.K. Martin. He later served faithfully at Faith Destiny

Outreach Ministry and, in a full circle journey, returned to serve under the pastoral leadership of

Dr. Martin at Greater New Life.

In his youth, he was known as the mischievous sibling, often pulling funny (and sometimes

dangerous) pranks on his brother and sisters. As a car enthusiast, Rod could spend countless

hours talking about and researching cars and modifications. He always owned a car that was

compact, sporty, and lowered with a personalized tag as a unique expression of his passion. Rod

was a gifted artist who appreciated a variety of art mediums, especially African American

artwork and sculptures. His first masterpiece was a life-sized rendition of Issac Hayes and Super

Fly on the family apartment’s closet doors. He also used his artistic gifts to render technical

blueprints during his military service. As a lover of jazz music, he would often attend concerts

and festivals to enjoy live performances. He had a love for reading and especially enjoyed spy

thrillers that featured the fictional character, Mack Bolen. He loved to binge watch cooking

shows but would rather order take-out than prepare a meal. Everyone who met him was greeted

with a glowing smile and spoke of his humility and kindness; he never met a stranger.

As a strong believer in family connection, Rod was a devoted son, brother, and uncle. While he

never had children of his own, he was a father figure to his siblings and all his nieces and

nephews. He carried that same fun and prankster spirit into his role as uncle. He was a cool

“funcle” who seamlessly blended the roles of mentor, close friend, and family jokester. He loved

nothing more than gathering with family to connect through good food, laughter, and the sharing

of old memories.

He is preceded in death by his parents James B. Lee, Jr. and Frances Lee, and sister Pamela Lee.

Left to celebrate his life and cherish the memories are his brother, James B. Lee III; sisters Lucia

Soublet, Cassandra Bridges (Kenneth), Kimberly Lee, and Cheryl Robinson; nieces Lakita

Spellman (Derrick), Zarcaro McClain, Ashley Soublet, Candace Lee, and Anna Gaddy; nephews

Jacobo Lee (Wayne), Justin Soublet (Aya), Joshua Lee, Chrisopher Bridges (Angela), and Jeremy

Dennis; great-nieces Iyana Johnson, Shamaria Forte (Vyshonn), Kayden Spellman, Sydney

Spellman, Madison McClain, Morgan Gaines, Cheyenne Bridges, Zoey Soublet, Charlotte

Bridges, and Alaina Johnson-Luciano; great-nephews Chase Spellman, Justin Soublet II, and

Shiloh Dennis; sister-in-law, Micha Lee; best friends Samuel Johnson and Robert Plummer; and

a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Special Thanks From The Lee Family

The family of Mr. Lee would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and support shown during this difficult time. Your love and compassion have been a tremendous source of comfort.

Friends and loved ones are invited to honor Mr. Lee's memory by signing the online guest book and sharing words of comfort with the family below.

The family sincerely thanks you for your continued prayers and understanding.