Russell Allen Lee

Russell (Chug) Allen Lee, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Mashpee on Sunday, November 20, 2022 after a long struggle with COPD. He is survived by his wife, Constance Sable, daughter Tara Lee of Chatham, son Ian Lee of Burke, VT, grandchildren Parker and Cole Lee of Vermont, as well as several nieces and nephews and his former wife, Buffy Alten. Chug is also predeceased by his three siblings Wallace, Steven and Marie Lee.

Born in Hyannis, on May 23, 1945, Russell was the son of the late Lester and Viola (Speight) Lee. He was a graduate of Chatham High School and worked for over 30 years for J.W. Dubis & Sons in Chatham. He loved New England sports, auto racing and country music. He could always be found watching his teams, car races, golf, or watching sports talk television shows and was also a fan of old cowboy shows and Jeopardy! The next time you watch “PTI”, think of him!

Chug and Constance had many adventures together, travelling to the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Outer Banks and the Caribbean, as well as places closer to home until his disease progressed. They were lucky to see many of his favorite country stars at the Melody Tent.

Chug was a friend of Bill W. for 44 years and touched many lives with his thoughtful words and actions. One of his favorite phrases to his wife was, “Just relax, dear”. He was a grateful member of Matt Talbot group 27 East and credited his first retreat for his sobriety.

The family would like to thank the many AA friends who stopped by with a smile and, often, a Bavarian cream donut, his neighbor, Dave, who is always available to help; his barber, Steve, who kept him looking good and his sister-in-law, Leslie, who kept him company when he needed it. And a special thank you to the Mashpee Fire and Rescue Department, Beacon Hospice and Home Instead. Chug received excellent, compassionate care from these agencies.

There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 7th at 11am at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rt. 6A in Sandwich, with a reception afterwards. If you would care to place a donation in his memory, please send it to the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, PO Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601-0036.