Bernard Thomas Lee

Bernie was a well-known Jazz singer, upright bass player & entertainer that founded ‘The Bernie Lee Trio’ which played in Central Florida for 50+ years. He’s opened for The Drifters, Tina Turner & was on the Ed Sullivan Show back in the 1950s. Dressed always in a double-breasted suit and matching hat, he was considered highly fashionable and always had the attention and love of his audience.

As a veteran, Bernie loved his country and was proud of the time he served in the Air Force. In his early years, Bernie was an accomplished diver, who regularly performed complex, twisting & head-first dives with ease and grace. Bernie was a proud hardworking man that owned & operated several business ventures. He had a colorful personality, was a great storyteller, and would share his life experiences often with friends and family. He was always willing to help fix things, and never said 'no' to a job that had to be done. Bernie liked solving problems and helping people that were in his life.

Bernie was married and later in the 1970s was divorced from the late Vivian Lee. He is survived by their son, Kurt V. Lee, his granddaughter Kalah Viann Lee, and his grandson, Kurt V. Lee Jr. His beautiful lifelong and beloved partner, Frances (Frankie) Fludd Saunders remains in the Orlando area.