Jessie Richard Lee

- Jessie Richard "Buddy" Lee, 84, of Chester, S.C. passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Armenia Methodist Church. Interment was in Armenia Methodist Church Cemetery.
Born on September 6, 1940, to Jesse Douglas and Lottie Louise Cameron Lee, Jessie led a life of dedicated service and community involvement. After graduating from Chester High School, Jessie joined the United States Air Force in 1962, serving for 20 years and retiring as a Master Sergeant and Fire Fighter. Following his military service, he became Assistant Fire Chief in Murrells Inlet before returning to civil service as an Alarm Room Operator at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base until its closure. Jessie then went on to serve as a 911 Dispatcher in Georgetown County and later as 911 Director of Chester County from 1998 to 2002.
Jessie played a key role in establishing the Murrells Inlet/Garden City Rescue Squad, eventually becoming its Chief. Throughout his career, Jessie's passion for public safety and dedication to his community touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on those he served and worked alongside.
A devoted volunteer, Jessie was a Scout Master for Troop 396 in Murrells Inlet, a 50-year Mason member of the Murrells Inlet and later Sandy River Masonic Lodges, and belonged to the American Legion Post 27 in Chester. He was also a member of Armenia Methodist Church. Jessie was an ardent fisherman, enjoyed classic country music, and had a special love for his dogs.
Jessie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Anna Love Lee; daughter Mary "Peaches" Thompkins; son Paul Douglas Lee and wife Karen Lee; his sister Jean Davis; grandchildren Abigail, Libby, MariAmber, Mitch and wife Natalia; and great-grandson Ezra Lee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Catherine Ferguson, and son-in-law Mike Thompkins.
Jessie's lifelong commitment to service, both in his work and volunteerism, inspired and influenced many. As a mentor and devoted servant of Christ, he made a lasting difference in his community. His family, friends, and all those whose lives he impacted will deeply miss his presence and cherish his memory.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Shriner's Children's Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville SC 29605; or Chester County Animal Shelter, 2714 Dawson Drive, Chester SC 29706.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.