Jack Bunyon Lee went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Born in Atlanta, GA, on December 2, 1951, his childhood home was in Morrow, GA, and he attended Jonesboro High School and later Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Family will receive visitors at Hillside Memorial Chapel Saturday, February 25, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services for Jack Bunyon Lee will be held Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Hills Crossing Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. David Stancil and Rev. Tony Gray officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Chapel Gardens.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Bunyon Lee, Jr. and Dorothy Evans Lee, and his beloved nephew Clayton Lee Wallace. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws James H. and Rebecca D. Heidle.
Jack’s first job was working in the family business, Bunyon Enterprises, begun by his father and his uncles. Working alongside his dad and uncles as a young boy and later with his cousins, Jack eventually assumed the position of Executive Vice President. In conjunction with the University of Georgia, Bunyon Enterprises developed a potting soil that was ultimately sold worldwide. Jack served in the Army National Guard for six years. In later years, he continued his love of the outdoors by planting roadside wildflowers for the State of Georgia in the northern half of the state. He finished his work career as the primary owner of Lee’s Lawn Service.
Serving others both inside and outside his church was the work that touched his heart. As Brotherhood Director for many years, one of Jack’s greatest joys was preparing the meals for Round-Up in the fall each year when church members came for Homecoming at Bethlehem Baptist church. He also taught the youth there for many years and served as the Coordinator for the Work Projects undertaken by area youth with World Changers. In his role, Jack prepared and oversaw projects for the youth to repair homes. This service took place primarily in the southeast. In addition, he led many mission trips to areas where specific disaster relief was needed, including Illinois, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Many memories were made taking supplies and leading groups of volunteers during the seven trips to the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The Lord ably used Jack’s love for others and his organizational skills.
Jack has been married to Deborah H. Lee, whom he met in church, for over 51 years. Jack and Debbie made their home in Clarkesville, Georgia, and are members of Hills Crossing Baptist Church. Jack’s family was a source of his greatest joy. In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by son John M. Lee (Debbie) of Gastonia, NC, son Joel K. Lee of Clarkesville, GA, and daughter Jaclyn Lee of Clarkesville, GA. Precious grandchildren include Maggie Lee and Jackson Lee of Gastonia, NC, and Hannah Lee of Clarkesville, GA. Additional family includes sisters Pamela Waddy (George) of McDonough, GA, Patricia Wallace (Damon) of Opelika, AL, Peggy Hall (Don) of Macon, GA, and brother-in-law Michael Heidle (Kathy) of McDonough, GA. He was blessed with twenty-five nieces and nephews and a vast extended family. Jack is also survived by two uncles, Powell Lee (Shirley) of Fayetteville, GA, and Weyman Evans (Theda) of Clarkesville, GA, and many cousins and friends.
Combining his love for his family, especially his grandchildren, gardening, and cooking provided many opportunities to share his vast knowledge and offered sweet times of fellowship with those he loved best.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Talati and staff, the physicians at Emory University Hospital, and Pruitt Hospice, especially his nurses, Beth Turner and Amy Westbrook.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Habersham Baptist Association Disaster Relief Fund, P. O. Box 713, Cornelia, GA 30531.
An online guest book is available for the family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256
