Arthur Lee, Jr., DMD, formerly of Columbia, passed away August 7, 2022 in Kirkwood, Missouri at the age of 89. A native of Danville, Alabama, Art was a Columbia resident from 1974 to 2009 and lived in the St. Louis area since 2009. He married Sue H. Strickland – the love of his life – in 1973, and she preceded him in death. Art is survived by children Lisa Lee of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama; T.J. Lee of Grant, Alabama; and Rebecca Cafferata of Freeport, Bahamas; stepsons Jeff Strickland of Chicago and Tom Strickland of Colorado; brothers Max Lee and Ted Lee of Texas; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Art graduated from Auburn University in 1956 and the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1964. He practiced dentistry in Alabama until relocating to Columbia, dedicating his career to providing compassionate dental care to under-served adults and children throughout Missouri including handicapped, developmentally disabled, and blind and deaf patients. Art was a veteran, serving with honor in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Art had an abiding faith in Jesus Christ and was a founding member of New Horizons United Methodist Church. He was a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, and dear friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation for family and friends is Thursday August 11, 2022, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Parker-Millard Funeral Service in Columbia, Missouri, with interment Friday August 12, 2022 at 10:00 am at Columbia Cemetery.
Art’s family is grateful for the exemplary care, compassion, and professionalism provided by staff and management of Manor Grove Nursing Home in Kirkwood. Donations in his name are welcome to Manor Grove, 711 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122; Alzheimer’s Association; or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153.
