Lee died April 17, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. He was born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee. Lee graduated from the Emory University Dental College in 1964, joined the Navy and was sent to Kodiak, Alaska. After leaving the Navy he established a dental practice in Anchorage where he practiced until his retirement in 2006.

Lee was passionate about Alaska and the opportunities to hunt and fish. He was a pilot and experienced the beauty and bounty of Alaska. Lee jumped at Missoula 1960-61 and at West Yellowstone for the 1962 season.