Kent Lee. Sr.

Cecil "Kent" Lee, Sr., age 80, passed away peacefully in his home in Leland, NC on July 9th, 2024. Kent was born in Wilmington, NC on August 11, 1943. He is preceded in death by his father Cecil Goodwin Lee and his mother Murial Sherman.
Kent is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Dianna Lee, his son Cecil Kent Lee, Jr. of Leland, NC, his daughter Lauren Mitchell and son-in-law Josh Mitchell of Winnabow, NC, his sister Martha Lee of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and his three grandchildren Tyler Lee, Hannah Lee, and Airlie Mitchell, as well as may beloved cousins.
Kent worked in the apparel industry beginning with Nowell's Men's Store in Raleigh, NC, thus his always dapper appearance. He then became a wholesale sales representative, marketing women's apparel for over 35 years to upscale specialty stores in multiple states. He served with the Carolina-Virginia Fashion Exhibitors as Secretary/Treasurer and Chairman of the Search Committee. He loved traveling in his big motor home to see his clients and planned his routes accordingly to find the best BBQ, fudge and tackle shops. He concluded his apparel sales career with Joseph Ribkoff as their Southeast Sales Manager. After retiring from Joseph Ribkoff, Kent worked as a Real Estate Agent in the Brunswick County area for Martha Lee Realty and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. Lastly, upon moving back to the Charlotte, NC area, Kent finished his real estate career with Allen Tate Realtors.
As a teenager Kent accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Belleview Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. He later loved and served his church family with his wife at Bethany Church in Weddington, NC for many years, as well as Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC.
Kent was a great outdoorsman and enjoyed golfing as well as being an avid fisherman. He was the biggest NC State sports fan, and loved attending football and basketball games to cheer on the Wolfpack. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
A Celebration of Kent's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 27, at Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, NC 28409.
To honor Kent's legacy of service and love for his community, we are raising funds for the Jimmy V. Foundation in his name. The Jimmy V. Foundation supports cancer research and honors the memory of legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano. Your contributions will help carry forward Kent's spirit of generosity and compassion. Memorial donation can be made HERE
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Service – Valley Road Chapel. Please leave condolence messages for Kent's family on his Tribute Wall at www.wilmingtoncares.com