John Wayne Lee

John Wayne Lee
John Wayne Lee was born on September 13, 1946 in Orange NJ to Rosetta and John T. Lee. He grew up in Newark NJ where he attended Hawkins Street Elementary School, and graduated from East Side High School in Newark. Following his graduation He became engaged in required training to become a Tool & Dye Specialist in Newark. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1971 where he served in Korea as a Military Police Officer. Upon leaving the service he returned to his work as a Tool and Dye Worker until 19 at which time he became employed by the East Orange Police Department, where He worked 27 years, and retired as a Lieutenant.
During John's tenure on the Police Department he served as a mentor and model for many younger officers as well as thousands of school-aged children and parents residing in the low-income East Orange community. John was elected by his peers to serve as the president of the East Orange Kinsman, a Black Police organization as well as the City's Police Athletic League, (PAL) organization.
In 2000 John retired and with his Wife and Partner of more than 33 years, Audrey Fletcher-Lee.
relocated from Montclair, NJ to DeLand, Florida. Upon the move to DeLand John became actively involved in the community as a faithful member of the Greater Union 1st Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and Chairperson of the Church's Life Center's Finance Committee until becoming ill in 2019. During his tenure with the Life Center, he assisted with the implementation of the "Rights Of Passage Successful Encounters (ROPSE" youth initiative which worked in conjunction with the DeLand Boys and Girls Club and Catalyst. The students enrolled in the program were engaged to develop a positive sense of self utilizing an Afro Centric method designed to meet the needs of African American youth and others. Additionally John assisted for many years to successfully implement DeLand's annual MLK weekend inclusive of wonderful programs and activities.
In addition to his work with the Church, he volunteered to work with the DeLand Chief of Police, Jason Umberger, when he served as a member of the Chief's Citizen's Advisory Committee. During such service, John was able to share professional advice and recommendations intended to enhance the Department's need and desire to provide exemplary
protection and service to all De Land residents. Throughout the pages of this Program are indications of John's Professional Achievements and Honors.
He was preceded in death by his Mother Rosetta E. and Father John T. Lee and 2 Sisters, Roberta Coleman-Upchurch and Gwen Lee Arch.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Audrey Fletcher Lee, three stepchildren, Donna Williams (Derrick), Richard Fletcher (Kathy), Duane Fletcher (Jennifer), one sister Rosetta E. Lee and one brother, Harvey T. Lee, two nieces, Lynette Lee and Vicki Crespo-John C, two Aunts, Gloria Stevenson, Montclair, NJ and Ebbie Johnson, Sister-In-Law, Debbie Whites (Henry), 8 Grandchildren – Richard Jr., Jordan, Jared, Carly, Paige, Allie, Miles and Jada, 4 Great Grandchildren- Elora, Micaiah, Micah, Jesse and a host of great nieces and nephews.
The Family would like to express profound gratitude and appreciation for the many acts of kindness and support provided during this difficult time by so many fantastic friends both here in Florida and New Jersey. Additionally, special acknowledgment is given to the staff of the DaVita Dialysis Center in DeLand for the years of exemplary care and service to John along with Dr. Christine Aziz for her years of Primary Care services.