Statewide, Tim Lee is best known as the man who lured the Atlanta Braves to Cobb County: In Habersham, he’s known for laying a new foundation for economic development.
Lee, who served as the Executive Director of Habersham’s Partnership for Growth and Economic Development, died Sunday. He was 62.
The former Cobb County Commissioner who negotiated the public-financing deal for the Braves’ SunTrust Park came to Habersham County in 2017. In announcing his death, the Habersham County Commission expressed its “heartfelt sadness” and said Lee “made a significant impact on our County through personal and professional relationships.”
“I know that we will all deeply and personally miss Tim Lee. It was a privilege to have known him so well,” says Habersham County Commission Chair Stacy Hall. “I personally will never forget his thoughtfulness and kindness.”
During his time in Habersham, Lee helped guide the sale or resale of the four lots in the county industrial park. He organized meetings with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Economic Development to assist in the promotion of county industrial development projects. And he also led numerous exploratory economic development projects, according to county manager Phil Sutton.
“Tim Lee was a true community leader and served as an example to all of us. His work with the Habersham Partnership for Growth will long be remembered,” Sutton says.
Habersham Chamber President Mary Beth Horton worked closely with Lee on economic development. In an emotional post on social media, she called him a visionary, a leader, a mentor, and friend.
“Tim called me ‘kiddo’ and he took me under his wing a few years ago when he arrived in Habersham. He was a great listener and a great advice giver. He always made me feel good. He gave me confidence. He was funny and sarcastic and honest and loving. We shared lots of laughs. Especially when he stepped in to be the Easter Bunny for a downtown event,” Horton writes.
Beyond their rapport, Horton says she admired Lee for his character. She says he was a man of unwavering faith who just wanted to do what was right and wanted others to do the same.
“Tim Lee was perhaps the most ethical man that I’ve ever met. To me, it was not his accomplishments that defined him. It was the way he treated the people he met, and the way he always demonstrated the love for his family and his community.”
The Habersham County Commission says Lee “did much to move our community forward.” Horton adds, “Tim left an indelible mark, and he will be missed greatly.”
