Ricky Steven "Rick" Lee

1954 - 2023

Ricky "Rick" Steven Lee

March 15, 1954 - March 27, 2023

Rick S. Lee of Roanoke, Va., went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of Monday, March 27, 2023, after close to a 20-year battle against diabetes and multiple strokes.

Rick was a lifelong resident of Roanoke, Va., and a 1972 graduate of William Fleming High School. After high school he attended Virginia Tech before marrying the love of his life. Rick and Karen would have been married 49-years this coming September. Rick was a dedicated christian man, that did not wavier from his faith, he served faithfully at Cave Spring Baptist Church for 30 years.

Rick worked over 30-years as a manufacturers' sales representative in the plumbing and heating industry. He loved calling on his customers and over the years he developed some really good friendships. He also enjoyed eating at different restaurants that he had come across during his business travels.

Up until his first stroke in June of 2003, Rick was an avid runner. Rick ran track all four years in high school. He ran a personal best in the mile, which he ran in high school, of 4:33.

Rick loved the candy Bit-O-Honey. He loved taking his family to the beach and taking hikes with his dad at Grayson Highlands State Park. He loved Virginia Tech football and always said that Mickey Mantle was the greatest baseball player ever.

Due to his declining health Rick was unable to get out and support his grandchildren in their various activities (dance, golf, swimming, wrestling, soccer, football, basketball, and baseball) like he wanted to but he always asked about them and wanted to know how they were doing in their activities during any given season. He loved all four of his grandchildren dearly and with all of his heart.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents whom he loved deeply, Richard and Dorothy Lee; and his brother-in-law, Barry Francisco. He is also survived by his favorite sister and brother-in-law, Eric and Beth Hall and his two nephews, Patrick and Lee Hall. He is also survived by his wife of 48-years, Karen Francisco Lee; their two children, Matthew S. Lee and Mary-Kathryn Bailey; his daughter-in-law, Katie Lee and son-in-law, Ryan Bailey; and four grandchildren, Reagan Bailey, Evan Lee, Olivia Bailey, and Anson Lee.

We would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice and Loyal Caregivers for the kindness and compassionate care they provided for Rick over the past couple of months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or Cave Spring Baptist Church. The family also requests that you take a run/jog/walk in Rick's honor because he loved to run.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cave Spring Baptist Church on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Carey Robinson officiating.

Simpson Funeral Home

5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019