Charlie Sam Lee

CHARLIE SAM LEE (known to most as Sam), age 94, was born to Charles Linwood and Nora Lee on May 14, 1923 in Cumberland, Virginia. He peacefully answered Heaven's call on May 27, 2017. Sam was one of ten children. He received his formal education in the Cumberland County schools. Sam entered the Army for a tour of duty during WWII. He received an Honorable Discharge and left Fort Bragg in 1946 returning home to Cumberland, VA. Shortly thereafter, Sam relocated to Baltimore, MD where he became employed with Bethlehem Steel. He remained employed for over forty years until his retirement at age 65. There he developed relationships with many, some of whom became lifelong friends. Sam met and married the love of his life, India Perry of Louisburg, NC, in Baltimore. They were wed by Reverend Matthew Marcus Sr. at the Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church (now The Ark Church) on September 30, 1950 and were married for sixty-seven years. They had six children from their union. The family lived for a few years in Turner Station where Sam was one of the founding members of the Mount Olive Baptist Church led by Reverend Shelton A. Fleming. After purchasing a home, Sam relocated the family to Baltimore City where some of his siblings also lived. Once there, he attended church services with his family at the Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church. He loved to hear Reverend Marcus preach and found his sermons inspiring, uplifting and 'full of fire' from which his heart was filled with joy. Sam liked to hunt with family and friends as a hobby and many times scored 'game' for his family. Can you say "rabbit foot?" (LOL) He was also a self-made mechanic working on all of his cars and helping others. He was a protector of family and community. A demonstration of this was during the riots and unrest after Martin Luther King was killed, when he hung black clothes on the front of homes, regardless of race, to protect our community from destruction. Sam was also a huge MLB fan and got a kick out of the many skilled players and their ability to steal the bases, catch a fly ball, pitch a fierce 'knuckle ball' or hit a home run. His infectious laughter would get you just as excited as he was during those games. He was a devoted fan of the Orioles, and was alright with the Dodgers, but his favorite team was the Boston Red Sox. To Sam that was true enjoyment. Vacations with family, his special silly dance because he acted like he couldn't dance (which I think Eric still likes to do), his love of Popeye (because he always ate his spinach, and would tell us to do like Popeye), and his awesome smile will fondly rest in our hearts, as well as witnessing his strength during tough times including enduring the past eight years of immobility and intrinsic illness with dignity. The family mourns his loss. Sam was preceded in death by: daughters, Juanita Pearl Lee, Appadella Tanya Lee; son, Charlie Parker; brothers, Clifford Lee, Ogden Lee, William Lee, Lawrence Lee, and Louis Hill; sisters, Juanita Lee, Courtney Collins, Marie Parkie Tyler, and Cora Fleming. Sam's legacy runs deep as he leaves to mourn: his wife, India E. Lee; two daughters, C. Rita Lee and Vanessa Charlotte Lee; two sons: Charlie Sam Lee, Jr. and Duncan Eric Lee, Sr.; one brother, Carlton Lee; eighteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other extended family and friends who will hold dear their fondest memories. He fought the good fight and his labor was not in vain. Rest In Peace beloved and receive your eternal reward in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." — John 17:24 NKJV

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Charlie Sam Lee

May 14, 1923 - May 27, 2017