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BORN
1927
DIED
2019
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Joseph Lee Obituary
Raleigh
Joseph Ira Lee, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, August 27 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Joe was born December 24, 1927 to parents Rosalie Rogers Lee and Joseph Ira Lee, Sr., in Smithfield, NC.
In 1949, he married the love of his life, Hannah Ruth Johnson and most recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Affectionately known to all as "Joe" , he possessed a larger than life personality and gracious humble spirit. He deeply loved his family and friends as well as his beloved pet parrot "Poncho". Joe never met a stranger and quickly found favor with the many people he encountered from all walks of life sharing his kindness and generosity. Joe loved a good laugh, great card game, and racquetball.
When Johnson's Jewelers was located downtown at 309 Fayetteville St. Mall, Joe Lee was always with his beloved parrot, Poncho - who would draw a crowd with his amazing ability to sing and whistle at all the pretty ladies, while he was perched in a tree.
Many rounds of golf were played at Raleigh Country Club and Bald Head Island. Joe and Ruth dearly loved Bald Head and shared many wonderful years and memories in this very special place. His fondness of travel lead him on many adventures from road trips to traveling the world with his adored wife Ruth and dear friends. He enjoyed discovering deep sea treasures off the coast of Florida and the Dominican Republic. Joe truly was an "adventure" seeking investor!
Graduating in 1948 from UNC - Chapel Hill, he later became one of downtown Raleigh's premier jewelers. He earned his GIA Certified Gemologist Degree in 1954 and was President of Johnson's Jewelers of Raleigh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters: Margaret Rose Lee, Mary Jean Johnson and Janice Norris.
Left to cherish his memory are: Hannah Ruth Johnson Lee, wife of 70 years; his two children, Ruth Lee Hudgins (Dan) and Joseph Ira Lee III (Kim); siblings, Ann Hines Lassiter, Barbara Meyer, James Wesley Lee (Catherine); grandchildren, Joseph Ira Lee IV (Heather), Ashley Morgan Woodruff, Hannah Catherine Lee, Ryan Lee Hudgins, Eric Daniel Hudgins (Justine), Kirk William Hudgins; great grandchildren, Ashlyn Lee, Harper Reymond, Audrey Lyn Hudgins, and Leo Daniel Hudgins.
With love and appreciation the family would like to extend sincere thanks to: Veronica, Mary, James, Esther, Philomena and Lucy for their compassionate care.
A memorial service to celebrate Joe's life will be held Friday, August 30, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. Visitation will follow the service in Kerr Hall, at Edenton Street. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your remembering Joe by sharing love, kindness, and all good deeds to those you encounter everyday, or memorial donations may be made to Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 West Edenton St. Raleigh, NC 27603, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lee
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.
August 30, 2019
Joe and I were lovers of parrots he even helped me get my first one and he kept Curly my now 30 year old on occasion when I went out of town at Par golf I would have to un spoil him when I would get him home Lol Joe was a living legend in Raleigh and will be greatly missed. RIP my friend
Donald Perry
John Cummings
August 29, 2019
Many years of racquetball with Joe. Fond memories.
Cheryl Kontul
August 29, 2019
My loving condolences to a wonderful family
August 29, 2019
Condolences and love. I cherish all the wonderful memories with Joe, Hanna Ruth and my parents while growing up. Joe was a very special man and will be missed by so many.
Fondly,
Jane E Howe
Susan Ferguson Winstead
August 29, 2019
Many condolences to all from the family of Sherrill Ferguson of Raleigh, and formerly Bald Head Island.
Ruth Fouugere
August 29, 2019
RIP. What a special man & yes he brought joy to all. I had the privilege of bird sitting Poncho. An amazing pair. Prayers for all the family.
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Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605
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