John Clarence Lee

June 12, 1955 - November 28, 2024

John grew up in rural Ohio, hunting, fishing, and playing bluegrass with his family. He was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and loved learning about this history of his country. He was an amazing artist, expressing himself by building countless models of vintage cars and planes.

In a whirlwind romance, a story he loved to tell, John married the love of his life, Cerita Rose Gardiner. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage filled with deep love and the most precious friendship someone could witness. John was an early member of Church on the Rise (now known as Rise Church), where he was involved in ministry. He served in the men’s prison ministry and was also a deacon, touching the lives of many through his selfless service and commitment to God.

John’s family was the pride of his life. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rita Rose Lee; his brother, Duard (Dude) Lee and wife, Sue; sisters, Tina Plant and husband, Bob, Danni (Liz) Chanay and partner, Aaron, and Minni Lee and partner, Kevin. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Sabrina McCoy and Robin Perry and husband, Clay. John was the loving father of daughter, Robyn Mattison and partner, Eric, daughter, Karen Mann, who preceded him in death, daughter, Julie Mattison Strickland, and son, Bobby Mattison and fiancée, Gabrielle.

John, or as they all call him, Papa, lives on in his beloved grandchildren, Kabryn (Katie-bug) Mattison and partner, Jared, Autumn Glass and husband, Shane, Jacob Crooks, Hannah Gardiner and partner, Beth, Echo Mattison, Willow Mattison, Landon Strickland, Aidan Strickland, Brandon Rholoff, and Kylie Rholoff. He was also the proud great-grandfather to Everly and Hudson Glass.

John was a man who was deeply loved and cherished by his family. John will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His warm heart, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family will be missed by all who knew him.

A private memorial service will be held eventually to honor John’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the GoFundMe set up to help Rita pay for living (and unfortunately, moving) expenses so she can focus on grieving.

The link to help can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/rita-lee-needs-your-support

Arrangements entrusted to Blue Star Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

John Clarence Lee, 69, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2024. Born on June 12, 1955, in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late Ruth and Duard (Dude) Lee. John grew up in rural Ohio, hunting, fishing, and playing bluegrass with his family. He was aContinue Reading

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My brother, my friend how I am honored to have spent my childhood with you. When you left home to enter the United States Marine Corp it broke my heart. Each time you got to come home was always a great day. In the Marines you got to travel, meet people and I was so proud when you sent news back home that you had become a skilled marksman ! You met, married, and made a life with Cerita Rose and I praise God for all that came from marrying Rita ! How did God know that after this many years that there would be so much love, laughter, and praising God ! I love you my forever brother ! To my sister Rita....I will always love you and thank you for keeping John in check ! To John's children Julie, Bobby, Robyn....my heart goes out to you, your families, and all of our family. This is hard but it is not forever as we will meet again some day ! I love you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.