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Obituary for Joseph "Joe" Lee
Joseph Bradley Lee, 78, died at home surrounded by family and friends June 29, 2020, in Canton, Mississippi. He was born December 22, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of William Joyner Lee and Ernestine Ann Gulledge Lee. He graduated from Central High School in Memphis and later with a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. He was also a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and subsequently spent more than seven years in the ministry in rural Mississippi, following his deeply-seeded Christian life and a calling to help those in need.
He was married to Mary Sumners Lee of Canton, Mississippi, and was a longtime member of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Safari Club International.
Joe was a man of many interests and passions from American military history to outdoor pursuits, photography, and collecting books, antiques and international artifacts. He enjoyed a long, successful career as an advertising photographer operating several studios in Downtown Jackson for many years and producing award winning photography for local, regional and national advertising agencies, corporations and publications. Following the history-making events of September 11, 2001, he felt called to serve his community and country and completed training as a certified law enforcement officer. He subsequently joined the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office serving as a Deputy Sheriff under the leadership of Sheriffs Malcolm McMillan and Victor Mason. He also served on the Capitol Police force for several years, primarily in the Mississippi Supreme Court Building.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Dick Lee, and sister, Mary Katherine Lee. He is survived by his wife of 28 years; sister, Amy Lee Windsor of Tom Ball, Texas; daughters Jane Ann Wright (Steve) of Canton, Mississippi, and Christian Lee of Lakeland, Florida; Grandchildren Nicholas Butler (Deanna) of Fort Myers, Florida; Forrest Butler (Madison) of Tryon, North Carolina; Noah Butler of Gainesville, Florida; Judson Wright of Canton, Mississippi, Katherine Wright of Atlanta, Georgia; Daniel Wright (Abby) of Madison, Mississippi; Michael Wright (Dana) of Clinton, Mississippi; Nathan Wright (Heidi) of Nashville, Tennessee; and great grandchildren: Georgia Bleu Butler, Roscoe Butler, Sullivan Butler, Marianna Wright, Emma Kate Wright, Parker Wright, Benjamin Wright and Darby Wright.
The family would also like to thank Janet Hawes for her kindness and care during the past several months.
Due to constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family service will be held Thursday, July 23, at 10:00 am at the Northminster Baptist Church Columbarium Garden, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Mississippi. Joe’s family and friends will gather for visitation Thursday, July 23, from 11 am to 1 pm at Char Restaurant, 4500 I-55 North, Jackson, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to: Northminster Baptist Church 3955 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211 or Stewpot Community Services 1100 West Capitol Street Jackson, MS 39203
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