Richard Craig Lee
Richard Craig “Pro” Lee, 55, of Cleveland passed away, surrounded by family and friends on Monday, September 18, 2017 at a local health care facility.
He was the son of the late Richard Owen Lee and Winifred “Teddy” Lee. His sister, Rhonda Lee, also preceded him in death.
Craig was an active member in the Athens, TN community. He served on the boards of Helping Hands Ministry, Tri-County, and the Kiwanis club just to name a few. He also took great pride in his “Best of the Best” Edward Jones office and his award for Young Kiwanian of the Year. Craig loved the game of golf, and his long career at Springbrook Golf & Country Club where he became known to all as “pro”. He loved introducing young players to the game of golf, and he never turned down the opportunity to help a junior golfer. During his lifetime he became a lifetime member of the PGA, and played in various pro tournaments including the 1993 Fedex St. Jude Classic held in Memphis, Tennessee where he tied for 72nd place, winning $2,145! He played with Bobby Clampett and Mark McCumber the final two days of the tournament. At that time he was only Tennessee Section Pro to play in all four rounds of a PGA event, an accomplishment that made his family and friends very proud! Craig had a sense of humor, warm smile, and self-less attitude that will live on in the memories of those who cherish him. He was a man who never encountered a stranger, and he truly was the best.
Craig leaves behind to cherish in his memory his loving wife, Kay, of 34 years. His only child, and daddy’s girl, Jordan. Sisters Laura Reinert and husband Victor of Atlanta, GA and Maureen Flaherty and husband Scott of Cleveland. Nieces and nephews: Allison Reinert of Atlanta, GA, Victor “Trey” Reinert of Atlanta, GA, and Heather Flaherty of Cleveland. He also leaves behind his loving dog Gracie, and a plethora of additional family and friends.
There will be no public visitation. However, the family will be welcoming everyone to a graveside service held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, with Kenny Gross officiating. Casket Bearers will be Bob Rice, Rick Mays, Billy Morrow, Dave Walden, Jimmy Hill, and Jeremy Driver.
Immediately following the graveside service, there will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 3 p.m. at the Springbrook Golf and Country Club in Niota, Tennessee and all are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Craig’s honor to Tri-County Board of Athens, TN. Please send all donations to P.O. Box 793 Athens, TN 37371.
The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the arrangements.
You may share your condolences and your memories with Craig’s family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.