Lee Congleton

CONGLETON, LEE - age 78, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday October 1, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah and Isaac Congleton. Lee was born in Tway, Kentucky and grew up in Barbourville before graduating from the University of Kentucky, where he met his wife of 58 years, Bobbie Congleton. While at the University of Kentucky, he was in the ROTC program and became captain of the Pershing Rifles; later being called into the Army where he achieved the rank of Major. Also during college he played freshman football for Bear Bryant and was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Lee moved to Knoxville in 1959 to join G.W. Johnson Coal, the company which he eventually acquired and built into Concoal Corporation. Concoal became a multifaceted coal and natural resources company with operations in Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. His operations included Richland Coal Company, various Conrkh Coal entities, and Spring Colleries. Congleton was involved in leadership positions in various industry organizations and served as a mentor to many business associates. In addition to his entrepreneurial success in the coal business, his skills were well rewarded in real estate development as well as in banking. His many achievements were recognized by his induction into the University of Kentucky Gallon Business School Hall of Fame in 2003. Lee was a generous supporter of numerous local and national organizations. His many board memberships included the East Tennessee Historical Society, Maryville College, The Knoxville Museum of Art, The Knoxville Opera Company, The Webb School of Knoxville, University of Tennessee Development Board and The Teen Board of Knoxville. He was especially proud of his accomplishments on the Knoxville Zoo Board where he was chairman for several years and later awarded a life membership. Lee was also inducted into Leadership Knoxville in 1990. He was a former member of the First Christian Church and later joined Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church with his children. As a long term supporter and life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, he became a national trustee and provided the lead acquisition gift for the Kyker Bottoms Refuge where he is honored with a commemorative plaque. Being an avid outdoorsman, golfer, and traveler, some of his most treasured time was spent enjoying these pursuits with both family and close friends. He greatly loved his grandchildren and frequently attended their many games and performances. Lee and Bobbie loved to travel together and especially loved the many months spent at their beach home in Pawley's Island, South Carolina, frequently accompanied by golfing groups, friends and family. He felt especially blessed to have the opportunity to travel to the Cotswalds on a surprise trip that he planned for his children and grandchildren. Lee is survived by his wife, Bobbie Congleton; daughter, Debbie Schwartz and husband John of Knoxville; daughter Mindy Congleton and her children Lydia and Sophia of Nashville; son, Lee Congleton III and wife Jackie and their children Katie, Brewer, and Yates of Knoxville; brothers, Curtis Congleton; and wife, Marty of Barbourville, Kentucky, and Joe Congleton and wife Posey of Knoxville, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family wishes to thank the many local physicians and their staffs for their excellent care over the last five years. They also owe a special thank you to the devoted caregivers and hospice nurses who provided loving and compassionate support during his final few weeks. Following a private interment, a memorial service will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church with Dr. Michael Stansfield officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be given to The Knoxville Zoo PO Box 6040, Knoxville, TN 37914; The East Tennessee Historical Society; The East Tennessee Foundation; or Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919, as the donor wishes. The family will receive friends 1-3:00 P.M. Saturday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com