Robert Edward "Bobby" Lee Jr.

Memorial services for Robert Lee, 97, will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, at 5:30 p.m. on July 23. Visitation will start at 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Robert was born on July 23, 1925, in Henderson, NC, and moved to his eternal home on July 20, 2023, after an extended illness.

He was the son of Robert Edward Lee, Sr., and Rosa Holladay Lee. He graduated from Columbia High School and Columbia Commercial College. Later in life, he completed coursework at Columbia Bible College (now CIU) where he felt a renewed conviction to support mission and missionaries generously here and around the world. He was a faithful member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where he made many dear friends.

Robert served aboard the USS MOALE (DD 693) during World War II and aboard the USS STURTEVANT (DE 239) during the Korean Conflict. Years later, he initiated and organized reunions for his fellow servicemen, bringing together many of his old sailor buddies from the STURTEVANT to meet in various cities across the country.

After completing his service in the Navy, Robert worked as a clerk at the Columbia Post Office where he ultimately retired. He then pursued in earnest a variety of hobbies, including photography, cycling, and writing. The de facto family photographer, Robert was rarely seen without his camera at family gatherings (and at Christmas, without his slides and carousel). To stay in shape and enjoy the thrill of speedy road travel, Robert mounted his road bike and took trips across the state with other serious cyclists. But perhaps the post-retirement occupation in which he took the most pride was writing a monthly newsletter for fellow retired postal employees.

He is survived by his sister, Rosalyn Lee Matthews, his niece, Lynn Steckel, and his nephew, Lee Matthews (Jannas). He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two beloved family members--his nephew, John Matthews (Eugenia), and his nephew-in-law, Eric Steckel (Lynn).

While Robert had no children of his own, he was a loving and beloved uncle to his sister’s three children and a grandfatherly great uncle in turn to their children and grandchildren. He lavished time and attention on his relatives, taking them on family vacations to the beach and the mountains, among other places. He also loved his canine companions, including a dog he and fellow sailors rescued from a sinking ship in the Pacific.

His loved ones will miss him and look forward to their future family reunion in heaven.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6952 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212 or Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, PO Box 4335, Irmo, SC 29063.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.