People in Habersham and Cobb counties are preparing to say goodbye to a man who left an indelible mark on their communities.
Two memorial services are scheduled in honor of Tim Lee. He passed away on September 29 after a battle with cancer.
The 62-year-old Lee was the executive director of the Habersham Partnership for Growth and Economic Development Council (EDC). Prior to coming to Habersham in 2017, he served as chairman of the Cobb County Commission. It was in that role that Lee negotiated a deal to move the Atlanta Braves from Fulton to Cobb County.
The first memorial service for Lee will be held Friday, October 4 at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Marietta. A second service is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 at 1 p.m. at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the church located at 1087 Washington Street in Clarkesville.
Tributes
Tributes and condolences began pouring in as news of Lee’s death spread. Cobb County commissioners ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all county-run buildings until his burial. The Atlanta Braves wrote they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Lee’s passing and expressed deep appreciation for his “bold move of helping bring the Atlanta Braves to Cobb County.”
The #Braves organization is deeply saddened to hear of Tim Lee’s passing: pic.twitter.com/uM4NF3EhDQ
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 29, 2019
Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce offered condolences to the Lee family saying, “The county has lost a true leader and statesman who will long be remembered for his accomplishments and love of Cobb County.”
Similar sentiments were echoed in Habersham.
The Habersham County Commission expressed its “heartfelt sadness” over the loss of Lee saying, “He made a significant impact on our County through personal and professional relationships. Tim Lee quickly became an important part of our community and helped establish a new foundation for economic development in Habersham County.”
In addition to his role with the EDC, Lee also served as an ex-officio member of the Habersham County Development Authority (HCDA). “It was a pleasure to know and work with Tim Lee. Although only in Habersham County for a short time, his impact will resonate for many years,” says HCDA chair Dr. Gail Thaxton.
Brian Horton worked closely with Lee on the EDC. He developed a deep admiration for Lee both as a leader and close personal friend.
“”Tim Lee was a great man! He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and colleague. He was a visionary whose work and achievements will impact the communities he served for generations to come,” Horton says. He adds the biggest lesson Lee taught him was about leadership. “Tim was a leader who did what was right for the community and he let the chips fall where they may. He was a great listener who sought input from all sides of an issue.”
During Lee’s time at the helm of the Habersham Partnership for Growth Horton says he “took us from a small start-up organization to a major player in economic development and workforce development in the county.” Lee helped launch the Forward Habersham capital campaign that resulted in the commitment of $1.6 million of investment over the next five years.
“Habersham County was and is Blessed to have Tim and Annette Lee as members of our community,” Horton says. “I’m going to miss our weekly meeting, texts, phone calls and emails. I’m going to miss his wise counsel. But most of all, I’m going to miss him and his friendship.”
Tim Lee is survived by his wife Annette and three children.
