Ralph Michael "Mike" Lees, beloved music educator, passed away suddenly on April 7, 2025.
Mike was born on May 8, 1951, in Chattanooga, and was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Mildred Lees, and his sister Peggy Lees.
He is survived by his partner of 37 years and husband of eight years, Robert Jackson; his brother David Lees, Sr., his niece Mary Ann Carver (Robert), nephew David Lees, Jr., and many, many friends and relatives. Mike’s two fur babies, Duke and Duchess will miss him greatly.
Mike Lees WAS music. Growing up playing the piano at Lookout Valley Baptist Church and Central High School, participating in all school musicals. He taught piano lessons to supplement his college expenses. At UTC Mike was in the singing Mocs, vocally and as accompanist. He traveled everywhere the Glenn Draper Singers took him: across the country and across Europe. He performed for the U.S. Military in an USO tour. Mike also played piano for several churches in Chattanooga. After graduating UTC with a degree in music education, Mike began transforming the lives of many school children across Hamilton County. He taught choir and musical theater at Red Bank High School, McConnell Elementary, Spring Creek Elementary and Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS).
Retiring from the public school system after 35 years, Mike and Robert cared for Mike’s mother in their home until her passing, with the assistance of Ina Smith.
A few years later, due to divine intervention and a martini or two with Cathie Kasch at the Walden Club, he accepted a job as choral and musical theater director at Girls Preparatory School (GPS). Mike worked with the Coordinate Program between GPS and The McCallie School, both middle and high schools, for seven years until his health forced him to retire. Mike was musical director for Into the Woods, the Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and Mama Mia to name a few.
Mike was also a theater guru. He directed or performed in multiple shows across Chattanooga over several decades, including the Backstage Dinner Theater, Chattanooga Little Theater, (now the Chattanooga Theater Center) and Signal Mtn. Playhouse, participating in over 70 shows. Two of Mike’s standout roles were Juan Peron in Evita and Archibald Craven in the Secret Garden, both at the CTC. Whenever he sang “Lily’s Eyes” the crowd both roared and cried. He also served on the board of directors of the CTC for 17 years.
Ok, enough about Mike’s musical talents. Mike was also a talented decorator and flower designer. At one point he and Steve Walker owned Williamsburg Florist and Lees Flowers. Mike worked with many organizations fund raising ventures: the Medical Auxiliary, the Kidney Foundation, the American Heart Association (Heart Ball), McKamey Animal Center (MAC Gala) and others. He also created beautiful arrangements for many weddings and funerals for multiple generations of families throughout the years, many times also performing the music and singing at these events.
In his spare time, Mike worked with the Performing Arts League (PAL) and Choral Arts Society. Mike was also involved with the Tennessee Junior Miss Scholarship Program and the America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program. He helped several contestants win state and national titles. Mike served as a Regional Coordinator overseeing six states as a liaison to the Junior Miss national program. Mike maintained lifelong friendships with his hometown classmates as well as his fellow staff members of the Junior Miss Program.
Mike and Robert also loved hosting fund raising events at their home on Signal Mountain. There was nothing like a Mike Lees party! Wonderful buffets of food, beautiful table settings, flower arrangements, good company and of course everyone gathered around the piano.
A Celebration of Life will be announced in the weeks to come. Donations may be made to the Performing Arts League at P.O. Box 4389 Chattanooga, TN. 37405 in Mike’s memory.
A quote from Mike’s Junior Miss “Sista” Valerie Austin: “Because we knew him, we have been changed for the better!” (Thanks to “Wicked”).
It would be difficult to overestimate the impact of Mike Lees’ contribution to the musical education of the young people of Hamilton County and the Junior Miss contestants he mentored for over 40 years. To this day, Mike could never go anywhere without a former student, a parent, or theater participant greeting him enthusiastically with the cry “MR. LEES, MR. LEES!!” He will be greatly missed.