Robert Edward Lee

Robert E. Lee, 68, Distinguished Richmond tax attorney, died Saturday, April 30, 2011, his family beside him. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy; his devoted sons, Rob, wife Tracey, Chris, wife, Janna, and Andrew, wife, Lucile; four beloved grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica, Eliza and Julia as well as two very special step-grandchildren Brendan and Harrison Abbott. He is also survived by four siblings, Dot, Bill, Dawn and Peggy; and the mother of his children and former wife, Diane, along with many dear friends.

Bob Lee, son of Walter and Agnes Lee, was born November 12, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, in 1964 from St. Joseph's University, where he rowed crew. He received his LL.B from Harvard Law School in 1967. In Richmond, before entering private practice, he served in the District Counsel's office representing the Internal Revenue Service. He was a member of the Massachusetts, Indiana and Virginia bars. Bob later practiced with several Richmond law firms. At the time of his retirement in 2010 he was a partner in the firm of Cook, Heyward, Lee, Hopper & Feehan, P.C. Bob was widely recognized in the legal profession as an expert in the law of taxation and spoke frequently at professional seminars and meetings. He was a member of the Advisory Council of William and Mary Tax Conference, a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He also gave freely of his time to volunteer activities, including The Community Tax Law Project, an organization which provides free tax advice to those in need.

Bob was a mentor to many young attorneys, always willing to provide sage advice when requested. Bob was a reader with a wide range of interests and a special fondness for poetry. Graced with a zeal for logic, a unique appreciation of the subtlety, precision and nuances of language along with strong convictions, Bob loved a good debate. He had a great ear for music, an uncanny memory and a taste for fine wine, good food and travel. Bob and Judy successfully competed in Regional and National Duplicate Bridge Tournaments for many years and both rose while rising to the rank of Life Master.

The family will receive friends and colleagues at Woody's Funeral Home at 1771 N. Parham Road on Friday May 6th from 6:00 to 8:30. There will be a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.