Ernest Lee

Ernest Lee

07/23/2021

Ernest Lee, WW2 Veteran Passes Away At Age 95

Deland, FL – Following a short illness, World War II Marine Corps veteran Ernest (Ernie) Lee passed away peacefully in his home at the age the age of 95 on July 23, 2021. He was comforted in his passing by Lynn, his wife of 57 years, and in the company of his children and grandchildren.

Anyone who ever met Ernie knew that he was extremely proud to be part of what is called “America’s Greatest Generation.” Born in Augusta, GA in 1925 and raised in Chicago, Il, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 on his 17th birthday and served honorably throughout the war in the South Pacific. During his service he served as a courier where he delivered top-secret orders via PT-Boat between islands and took part in the invasion and the liberation of Guam. In 1994 he proudly took part in the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Liberation of Guam and returned to Washington D.C. in 2004 for the unveiling of the WW2 Monument.

Following the war and his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Ernie returned to his childhood home in Chicago where he attended DePaul University. Graduating in 1949, Ernie started a career in sales with Sunbeam Corporation where he rose in time to become President of the Sunbeam Small Appliance Division. In 1981, after more than 30 years with the company, Ernie retired from Sunbeam and became President of Mr. Coffee Corporation.

In 1988, following his retirement, Ernie and Lynn moved to Florida where they enjoyed life in their new home and founded Blue Springs Auto Wash in Orange City, FL. Always avid jazz enthusiasts, Ernie and Lynn adored taking cruises, especially jazz cruises, and took those opportunities to visit every continent and truly explore the world together.

In addition to leisure time activities, Ernie actively supported Veterans' organizations and causes including the Marine Corps League, the 1st Marine Division Association, and the Tuskegee Airmen's Association as well as many non-profit causes.

Ernie was born to Ernest and Lucille Goldman and had a younger brother Carl, who predeceased him only last year.

As a father, Ernie was the dependable “rock”. Always there with advice, loving life lessons and a devotion to traditional American values despite the demands of “progress”. Ernie loved by example and acts of service. His honor, integrity, determination and sacrifice are a testament to the best of what a man could be to a family. “Dad” believed in you when others didn’t. He found a way when others couldn’t. And loved us all when others wouldn’t. Dad, Grampa and Pop-Pop was the definition of fatherhood.

He is survived by his wife Lynn and his four married children: Kristy Howard (Randy), Sandy Kurth (Amy), Lisa Botteri (Richard) and Daniel Lee (Jennifer). In addition 13- grandchildren and 7-great grandchildren survive him.

A Christian Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Matthew Kern at the Lankford Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM followed by a military internment service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Corps Association.