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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Robert Carnell
Lee
April 13, 1943 – January 31, 2025
Born on April 13, 1943, in Paris, Tennessee, to Nancy and Carnell Lee, Bob was the eldest of three children and was extremely close to his siblings, Nancy Lee of Memphis and younger brother, Glenn Lee (Pam) of Paris, TN. He graduated near the top of his Class from Grove High School in 1961 where he was a champion debater. Bob attended the University of Tennessee Martin where he was a founding member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity chapter. After his freshman year, he transferred to Vanderbilt University where he majored in History, was active in his fraternity and a member of the Glee Club. Bob ultimately decided to go into medicine and graduated from UT Memphis School of Medicine in 1968 and completed his residency at Methodist Hospital specializing in Radiology.
Bob settled in Corinth, MS in 1975 with his first wife, Carol, where they raised their two daughters together until her passing in 1988. He practiced radiology there for close to 30 years and built friendships that stood the test of time. He was a favorite among the staff at the hospital and kept in touch with former colleagues until the end. Bob loved movies and television so much that he and a partner built the first movie theater in Corinth and named it the Crossroads Twin Cinema. Holidays were always a source of much joy to the Lee family. His Christmas decorations were always beautiful with a huge Merry Christmas sign that covered the entire front lawn. On Halloween the Lee home was THE place to visit. Hundreds came to see the decorations and also receive his generous gift of full-size candy bars. Bob was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing hymns with his beautiful voice.
Corinth always felt like home to Bob. He and Jeanne visited almost every year, and a trip to Corinth always included a visit to historical Borrums's Drug Store to meet with old friends and enjoy a cheeseburger and a fountain coke.
After moving to Florida to semi retire, he worked another 10 years at Lake Medical Imaging where he enjoyed a new set of friends amongst his colleagues and techs. Bob practiced medicine for over 50 years and was deeply respected in his field. One of his proudest achievements was inspiring both of his nephews, his niece, and his granddaughter to become doctors.
Beyond his professional life, he was an avid traveler, a dedicated collector of antiques and art, and a lover of history and trivia. If you ever visited his home, he loved to give "the tour" of his prized historical antiques.
His passions also included spending time with family and playing cards with friends in their neighborhood and gardening. Although he was fortunate to have traveled the world, his favorite place to visit in his later years was Hawaii, where he spent significant time hosting loved ones and creating cherished memories. Thanksgiving at the family farm in Tennessee was another of his most cherished traditions.
In addition to his wife, Jeanne, Bob leaves behind his two beloved daughters, Laura Wilson (Todd) of Franklin, TN, and Amy Laws (Chase) of Dallas, TX. He was also blessed with two stepchildren, Missy Whitaker (Ricky) and Judd McClain. He was Uncle Bob to Dr. Jason Lee (Laura), Dr. John Lee (Shanna), Dr. Beth Lee Hall (Dave). He adored his grandchildren Katherine Wilson, John Wilson, Sophie Whitaker, Maggie Whitaker, Jackson Laws, Blakely Laws and Justin McClain who all affectionately called him "Boompa". He was close with his grand nieces and nephews: Adelyn Lee, Claire Lee, Ethan Lee, Anderson Lee, Molly Anne Lee, John Henry Hall, and Alice Hall. Rounding out his family tree were his great grandchildren Haylen McClain, Cannon McClain, Ace McClain and Baker Mitchell.
Bob was truly one of a kind, with a gift for making everyone feel special. He was known for giving people nicknames almost instantly and was a nonstop joker. His love of history knew no bounds, and he amazed everyone he met with his wealth of fascinating facts. His legacy of love, laughter, and curiosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of life for local friends and family will be held at their family home in The Villages on February 19 at 12:15.
A Celebration of Life will also be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:30am at the First United Methodist Church in Corinth, MS. A reception will be held afterwards in the fellowship hall.
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