Robert Kirk Lee was born January 4, 1954 in Selmer, TN the son of the late Charles William, Sr. and Beatrice Kirk Lee.
He was united in marriage to Susan Wade on December 29, 1979.
Robert was a member of the first graduating class of McNairy Central High School in 1972, where he played football and trumpet in the band for four years. He served two years in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Policeman and Court Reporter. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he served on the Campus Safety and Security detail. He also attended the Nashville School of Law, graduating with a J. D. degree in 1984. Robert was a member of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, serving on Governor Lamar Alexander’s security staff. He was the youngest person to ever be elected Sheriff of McNairy County and served from 1982 to 1994, the first to be elected to three consecutive terms. After stepping down as Sheriff he joined the Criminal Investigative Division of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He later joined the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, retiring in 2015. Robert was an adjunct professor at U. T. Martin in Selmer, having taught for 25 years. He was a former Scoutmaster for Selmer Troop 32, Boy Scouts of America, mentoring many young men all the way through the ranks to Eagle Scout. Robert served on the Board of Arts in McNairy and was a talented musician, playing piano, mandolin, guitar, and upright bass for the Dog Creek Band and Wayne Jerrolds Bluegrass Band. Robert enjoyed collecting vintage motorcycles, but the town of Selmer was his favorite hobby. He loved and was very knowledgeable about the local history and culture and enjoyed visiting with people and listening to their stories. He was himself a gifted storyteller and humorist. Robert was a member of First Baptist Church in Selmer.
Robert departed this life on November 23, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama at the age of 68 Years, 10 Months, 19 Days. He is survived by his wife of almost 43 years, Susan Lee of Selmer, TN; a daughter, Rebecca Lee Maddox of Birmingham, AL; a son, Robert Kirk Lee, Jr. of Bellevue, TN; two grandchildren, Will Maddox and Abby Maddox; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, Charles William Lee, Jr.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
