Jae Hyoung Lee

Rev. Jae Hyoung Lee ELGIN - Jae Hyoung Lee, reverend, age 78, of Elgin, SC, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016, in Kershaw Health Medical Center in Camden, SC. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jae was an accomplished journalist with one of Korea's most prominent newspapers before persuading his wife to immigrate to the United States with their three young children. Once here, Jae took all form of employment, including the operation of a newspaper stand on the streets of New York City, to support his family, until mastering enough English and securing a degree and opportunity in computer programming. At the young age of 60, Jae was called to the ministry and acquired his Master's in Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY. He was a pastor at several churches in Maryland and South Carolina, devoted to each, leading his fellow parishioners through biblical verses and their relevance to everyday life lessons. When not serving the church's needs, Jae gardened. He raised the heartiest of fruits and vegetables and, though not able to enjoy the fruits of his labor, had recently raised a Fuji apple tree from seedling. Jae most loved his family. A devoted husband, loving father and a very doting grandfather, Jae made precious any occasion he and his family could share a meal or just spend time together. Jae Lee served God, his beloved wife, his cherished family and treasured friends and parishioners with grace, a gentle touch and beautiful sweet smile. He believed in hard work and, together with his wife, instilled that in their children and grandchildren. He never sought accolades. He took care of anyone in need. He loved gently and fully and spoke truthfully about our need to believe and serve Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We will miss his sweet smile, his blessings and prayers on familiar days and on special occasions. His touch on the world was gentle but everlasting through all those who knew him. We take great comfort that the whole family will reunite with him in Heaven. Jae is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Dr. In Sook Park; daughter, Dr. Esther Lee (David Kang) of Laurinburg, NC; sons, Daniel Lee (Rachel) of Raleigh, NC, and Dr. David Lee (Gina) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Matthew, Christian and Jason Kang, Nathaniel and Hannah Lee, and Elizabeth and Chloe Lee; brother, Jae Chun Lee of South Korea; and sisters, Jae Duck Lee and Jae Soon Lee, also of South Korea. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia SC 29209 on Saturday August 27, 2016, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Funeral service will follow the visitation in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Dong Y. Kim officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park directly after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Korean Community Presbyterian Church, 1412 Richland Street, Columbia SC, 29201, or at www.kcpcsc.org. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.