Dr. Robert Lee

Dr. Robert E. ("Buzz") Lee

Dec. 7, 1919 - March 7, 2016

Black Mountain - Robert E. "Buzz" Lee, age 96, died peacefully in the early morning of March 7, 2016, with his wife Florence Callahan Lee by his side. He had a distinguished career as an educator, both as a Dean and College President as well as a Mathematics and Statistics Professor. He was also a superb athlete and keen competitor at all kinds of games over his life time. He played varsity tennis and volleyball in college, and became an excellent golfer and croquet player. Another passion for Buzz was playing the piano and singing with others. He was never happier than when he was at the piano and surrounded by friends and family singing along with his favorite songs. He was devoted to family and adored spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always involved in community and civic activities, from church to political activities and working to promote peace in the world. He was a curious person who loved to learn and to teach, ever patient and extending himself to others. He also had a remarkable sense of style in many of his undertakings, often approaching things in a unique manner -- from his early 1 handed side croquet shot to unusual embellishments singing, a special underhanded scoop tennis shot and unconventional bidding in bridge. Buzz was respectful and kind to all and did not speak ill of others, preferring to emphasize the positive and promote greater understanding rather than take a critical perspective. He was generous and loving and took great delight in seeing others succeed. In his teaching, in his games, as a friend, a mentor, a parent, grandparent and great grand parent, as a neighbor and in community, Buzz had the gift of touching people deeply.

Buzz was born Dec. 7, 1919 in Covington, KY, son of D. Collins Lee and Grace Dyer Lee. He is survived by his wife, Florence Callahan Lee; a daughter, Dr. Mary Dean Lee (Dr. Joseph Smucker) of Montreal Canada, Dr. Robert Lott Lee (Dr. Evelyn Pross) of Chapel Hill NC; 5 grandchildren, Cadir Lee (Susan), Dr. Laoma Lee Beck (Dr. Robin Beck), Jessica Smucker, David Smucker, Christopher Brenes Lee; and 4 great grandchildren, Indigo Lee, Topaz Lee, Soledad Beck, and Cadir Beck. His first wife, Mary Dean Lott died in 1981. His older son, William Collins Lee (Bill), had a tragic auto accident while a freshman at Princeton University and died 2+ years later from the injuries, in 1967. His step daughter, Carol Bush Green (Craig) also pre-deceased him in 2004. He is also survived by 3 step children, John Bush (Kate), Bob Bush (Connie), and Laura Teems (David); and 5 step grandchildren, Lora Belke, Brian Green, Erin Green, Adam Gibbs, and Lynsay Bush.

Buzz was a graduate of Washington & Lee University and completed a Masters degree in Mathematics at Vanderbilt before serving 4 years in the Navy. He taught mathematics at University of Florida and then completed his doctorate there before becoming Director of Research & Statistics in the Fla. State Dept. of Education in Tallahassee for 4 years until accepting a post as Acting Dean at Berry College in Rome, GA. At the age of 36 he became President of The Woman's College of Georgia in Milledgeville, where he managed a peaceful transition to desegregation and coeducation in the course of 11 years. He was recruited to the new University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL in 1967 to become Vice Provost, Academic Affairs, but after a few years left university administration to return to teaching mathematics and statistics. His highest honor was being voted the outstanding teacher at University of West Florida in 1983. Helping students overcome math-phobia was his specialty.

Retiring to Black Mountain, NC in 1985, Buzz found his second wife, Florence Lee, who enjoyed his fascination with six-wicket croquet. He raised funds for the Black Mt. Croquet Club, which bears his name, and then later also started a club and instigated creation of a croquet facility at Deerfield Retirement Community shortly after moving there in 2000. In 2015 the court was renovated and re-dedicated as the Buzz and Florence Lee Croquet Court to honor their role and contribution to building the first court and starting the club at Deerfield. Florence and Buzz competed in 115 tournaments in the 1990's, from San Francisco to Toronto and every major tournament in Florida, North Carolina and the East Coast. He was Vice President of the US Croquet Association for the Southern Region for 2 years, 1996-98. At Deerfield, Buzz also served twice as President of the Deerfield Residents Council, and he and Florence were avid duplicate bridge players.

Buzz Lee was a lifelong Rotarian, having served as President of the Milledgeville, Georgia Club in 1959 and the Black Mountain N.C. Club in 1993, and a Charter member of the Asheville-Biltmore Club. He was a charter member of the Tallahassee FL Capital City Toastmasters Club in 1953, a regular member of the Asheville Toastmasters, and the Founder of the Blue Ridge Toastmasters Club of Asheville in 1991. He supported many peace organizations throughout his life. Together with his sister, Maryat Lee and brother, John Lee, he established the Grace Lee Peace Fund in honor of their mother, a 25 year resident at Highland Farms, in Swannanoa NC. Its purpose was to recognize and honor individuals in the Asheville community who have furthered the cause of peace. First sponsored by the Pairing Project of Black Mountain in 1989, in 1999 it came under the auspices of Warren Wilson College, long known for its focus on peace. Since 1989, 31 honorees have received financial awards from the Peace Fund.

Buzz was an active Presbyterian most of his life and served as an elder, deacon, choir member and Sunday School teacher in many churches, including the First Presbyterian Church Asheville. The Associate Pastor of 1St Presbyterian, Michael Poulos, will officiate alongside the Deerfield Chaplain Lin Walton at the Celebration of Life service for Buzz on Saturday afternoon, March 19th at 3 pm in the St. Giles Chapel at Deerfield, 1617 Hendersonville Rd. S. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Buzz's favorite charities, the Danny Boone Scholarship Fund at Deerfield or the Grace Lee Peace Award at Warren Wilson College.

Condolences may be made at www.AshevilleMortuaryServices.com