Jimmy Ray Lee
Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee, 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Ora and Esther Merle Lee.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alma Louise Lee; two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles Edward (Michele) Lee of Franklin, Jeffery Dewayne (Jennifer) Lee of Palm City, Florida; two grandchildren, Adam Jeffery Lee, Grace Abigail Lee; one sister and brother-in-law, Ruth Ann (Gary) Workman of Ooltewah; one brother and sister-in-law, Sammy Charles (Brenda) Lee of McMinnville.
Dr. Lee was born in Cookeville, Tn. on Dec. 17, 1943. He was the founder and president emeritus of Living Free (formerly known as Turning Point Ministries), a nonprofit Christian organization that provides churches and ministries with small group training and discipleship curriculums that focus on helping individuals prevent and overcome life-controlling issues. Thousands of churches have participated in Living Free with over 2,000,000 participants, in over 123 countries around the world. Dr. Lee was also the author of four books, Faithful No Matter What, Understanding the Times, Behind Our Sunday Smiles, and Committed Couples.
Early in his long and distinguished career, Dr. Lee founded an inner-city ministry called The Ark that reached 600 to 700 young people weekly. He went on to serve extensively with Teen Challenge, founding centers in Chattanooga and Nashville, then continuing his service on the organization’s national board for decades. Additionally, Dr. Lee was the founder and honorary chairman of STARS/Center for Youth Issues (formerly known as Project 714), a non-profit organization committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk youth.
Dr. Lee was the recipient of the Highland Sertoma Club’s Service to Mankind Award. The Tennessee District Council inscribed Dr. Lee into “The Hall of Champions” in 2014. In 2021, The Tennessee Ministry Network awarded Dr. Lee with “The Robert Webb Legacy Award”.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, in the funeral home chapel. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday and 12-1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.