Terence "Terry" Milton Lee

Born December 28, 1957 in Burbank, California, he was the son of the late Darrell Frank Lee and Dorella L. Lee. Terry’s career was extremely extensive and varied. He started as an airplane claims investigator in California, and flew all over the country, which he loved dearly. With his charismatic, friendly and jovial personality, his constant and wonderful laughter were a joy to be around. This led him naturally into sales where he received top honors in forklift sales in his long career in several companies throughout California, Washington, Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina. He retired in 2020, at the start of the pandemic, but decided to keep busy by switching to medical transport, a job he was extremely proud to have in such stressful times in the healthcare industry.

Terry’s joy of science was solidified when he earned his BS degree in biology at Loyola Marymount University, and he became a lifelong supporter and enthusiast of science education. During his children’s early schooling years, he mentored Laura, Bobby and Michael in many science experiments and programs. When his children graduated, his dedication to science continued by acting as a judge in the Charlotte Regional Science Fair, encouraging children for years and furthering their curiosity, questions, and scientific discovery. One of Terry’s proudest activities was volunteering at HPUniverse Day, a physics outreach event at High Point University where over a thousand children attended (the organizers thought that there might only be a hundred at most), at which he and Laura led the telescope observation activity. Terry’s commitment to science went past life as his final wishes were always for his body to be donated to science to further the studies of human biology. This wish has been fulfilled and his body is being cared for with immense respect at Duke University’s Anatomical Gifts Program. Terry will now act as a ‘silent teacher’ to future physician associates, physical therapists, pathology associates, and biomedical engineers.

The love of Terry’s life was his family. He adored his wife, Barbara, whom he married on December 3, 1982. Terry supported every endeavor that Barbara put her mind to, including but not limited to finishing her college degree, leading several cat rescue efforts, homeschooling their three children, and constantly renovating their home. He was also a devoted father who always encouraged his children: Laura, Michael, and Bobby. Terry passed on his passion of science to Laura and was so thrilled when she successfully completed her doctorate. He constantly bragged about Bobby’s writing and was extremely proud when Bobby’s first story got published. Terry had unending patience and kindness dealing with Michael, creating a home where an autistic child would grow, love, and experience a world where Michael truly belongs. Doting about his family to everyone at every opportunity, Terry had abundant pride for each and every one of them for their accomplishments, interests, and support.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Barbara Lynn Lee; three children, Laura Lynn Lee (32), Michael Paul Lee (31), and Bobby Darrell Lee (29); as well as his siblings, Kevin Patrick Lee (Cheryl), Laura Lee Williams (Larry), Michael Lee (Elsie), Susy Boots (Roger), Cindy Schroyer (Chuck), and Randy Lee (Jan); and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

His father and mother, Darrell and Dorella Lee, preceded him in death.

A service to celebrate Terry’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 4, 2022 in the chapel of McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road. The family will receive friends following the service.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, donations to help cover Terry’s medical bills and funeral expenses are appreciated and can be sent to PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=R2GL9FCMLWBUJ) and/or Venmo (@Barbara-Lee-146); any leftover funds will go towards the care of his son, Michael.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.