Lance Edward Lee Sr., son of Carl Lee and Vesta Carmen Lee (Hunter), was born on October 3, 1960, in Queens, New York. He was the middle child of Carl and Vesta’s three children. Lance grew up in Roosevelt, NY, on Long Island, where he spent his childhood and graduated from Roosevelt Jr. Sr. High School in 1978. He later attended Hampton University in Virginia.
In 1980, Lance began dating Cynthia Rivers, and the couple married in 1981. Shortly after, Lance moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, to begin his training for the Air Force. The couple soon expanded their family, welcoming five wonderful children between 1982 and 1992. Throughout his life, Lance worked hard to provide for his family, holding positions at Smith Klein, The Dime Savings Bank, Dateline, and FALA, where he became a computer engineering specialist.
Though life presented its challenges, Lance’s strength, resilience, and commitment to his family never wavered. He often reminded his children of the importance of making wise choices and treating others with respect. He also believed in letting his children make their own decisions while guiding them along the way. Lance was affectionately known as Mr. Lee, Pops, Big Lance, Fatman Scoop, and “Fredrick Douglas Shaft” or “WALLACE” by those closest to him.
Lance’s warm heart, hidden sense of humor, and dancing skills brought joy to everyone around him. He was known for his cheesy jokes and playful spirit. He loved spending time with his family, whether playing basketball with his son and his friends, or playing airplane with his grandchildren.
Lance’s passions included watching sci-fi shows, fixing computers, and working on cars. He was also a talented saxophone player, and his love of music spanned genres from Earth, Wind & Fire to George Clinton and Crime Mob. He taught his children and grandchildren to play chess and enjoyed long conversations about space, history, and his favorite football teams, the Giants and the Jets.
In 2012, Lance and Cynthia moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where four of their five children and grandchildren soon relocated. Lance remained close with his family, speaking to his children and grandchildren often. He adored his wife, Cynthia, and cherished his time with his grandchildren.
The loss of his sister, Montel, in May of 2020 deeply affected Lance. Despite the grief, he remained committed to checking on family and being a source of strength for those around him. Lance was not only a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but also a devoted uncle, brother, friend, and mentor.
Lance faced several health challenges in recent years. In March 2024, he was hospitalized for cardiac arrest but recovered enough to come home in early April. Sadly, on September 5, 2024, Lance suffered another cardiac episode, which led to his hospitalization at Huntsville Hospital. He made slow progress before being transferred to Arlington Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Birmingham, Alabama. On December 17, 2024, Lance’s pain and suffering ended when he gained his angel wings and joined his mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, best friend Bill “Raheem” Toney, and his sister Montel in eternal peace.
Lance is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cynthia Lee; their five children: Shanda Lee (fiancé Nicholas Jones) and their children: Lashaun Lee, Julius Lee, Tamara Lee, Ariana Lee, and Summer Lee-Jones; Syreeta Lee (long-term partner Mitchell Davis) and their children: Mitchell Davis and Daniel Davis; Lance E. Lee Jr. and his children: Cordell Lee and Tiana Lee; Ashley Lee and her children: Alex Dennis, Adrian Dennis, Anais Dennis, and Avalon Dennis; and Alexis Lee and her children: James Hairston, Emery Hairston, Sarah Hairston, and Gabriel Hairston. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Zy’Shaun Lee.
Lance is further survived by his older brother, Terrence Lee (wife Lisa Potter-Lee) and their children: Carl Lee, Jordan Lee, and Cassandra Lee, as well as a host of bonus children, bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many friends.
Lance will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, resilience, and humor will live on in his family and the many lives he touched. Rest in paradise, Lance Edward Lee Sr.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW Huntsville, AL 35810).
Public viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 and 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Sunday, January 5, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
