Jeffrey Wayne Lee

Jeffrey Wayne Lee, 57, died suddenly in Swan Quarter, NC, Thursday morning, August 2, 2018 of a heart attack. He lived in Germanton with his wife, Mary, and three of their children but was looking forward to a new school year teaching art and coaching baseball and football in Hyde County, his dream-job. Jeff was an avid runner and enjoyed adventure. He was a wide receiver at The University of Tennessee, and after college was an Army Ranger. He also worked as a newspaper reporter, editor, and sports writer. Although he valued physical and intellectual challenge, he loved God and gentleness, and modeled humility, compassion, and selflessness. He knew how to love lavishly and was a devoted father. His friends and family found pure joy in his talent for games, words, writing, music, cooking, teaching, baseball, fine art, fishing, and fun. He often made others laugh. Jeff was born July 25, 1961 in Blount County, TN to Ralph and Joyce Irwin Lee of Maryville. He was married to Mary Hughes in 1986 and was father to Georgia, Sid, Jack, and Kathryn Lee. His life was full of joy, although he knew sorrow, especially at the recent death of his son, Sid. Besides his wife and 3 children, he is survived by his mother, Joyce Lee of Maryville, TN; a brother, Mitchell Lee (Patricia) of South Carolina; a sister, Janet Alexander (Roger) of Maryville, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind grieving in-laws. Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM, Friday, August 10, 2018 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 6:00 PM with Rev. Bill Dixon officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Four Mile Baptist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jeffrey Wayne Lee please visit our Sympathy Store.