James Edward Lee

James Edward Lee died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born January 2, 1942, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late James Carl and Bertha Mae Lee.

He was a 1960 graduate of Fitzgerald High School, where he was captain of both the football and baseball teams. He attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina on a football scholarship.

James was a life-long member of Central Wesleyan Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board and Chairman of the Trustees. In addition, he served on the Stewardship Committee and was a Sunday School teacher. James also served as Chairman of the Administrative Board at the Fitzgerald United Methodist Church in McDonough, Georgia.

James held many positions during his work career. He was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Entomology Division; County Manager of Ben Hill County; City Manager of Ashburn, Georgia; City Manager of McDonough, Georgia; Serjeant-at-arms, Senate, for the State of Georgia, where he was unanimously elected to this position. All the while, he was a life-long farmer on his family farm.

James served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of the Fitzgerald, Turner County (serving as President), and McDonough, Georgia Rotary Clubs, as well as President of the Fitzgerald Kiwanis. He also served two terms as President of the Fitzgerald Country Club.

While James was an avid golfer, loved watching baseball, football, and Princeton men's lacrosse, his greatest love was his wife, Nan. They were married for sixty-two years and dated eight years prior. He was a devoted husband, father, friend, and disciple of Christ. He loved his two daughters Lucy Batchelor and Molly Weathington, along with his four grandchildren: Adam and Emily Batchelor and Paul Jr. and Katherine Weathington.

He is preceded in death by parents, Carl and Bertha Lee; sister, Shirley (Phillip) Heard and nephew, Phil Heard; sister, Carolyn (Grady) Strickland; brother, David Lee. He is survived by his wife, Nan Lee; daughters: Lucy (Tracy) Batchelor and Molly (Paul) Weathington; grandchildren: Adam and Emily Batchelor and Paul Jr. and Katherine Weathington; sister-in-law, Anita Lee and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Central Wesleyan Church with visitation at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am. Graveside services immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery. The family is graciously accepting flowers or donations to Central Wesleyan, 201 West Central Avenue, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.

Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.