Deacon Robert Gaderet Lee

A Celegration of LifeRobert Gaderet LeeDeath came with friendly care,the opening bud to Heaven conveyed,and bade it blossom there. God's finger touched Robert Gaderet Lee on Friday,August 22,2008.Deacon Robert Gaderet Lee was born on March 18,1934 in Hanover,Virginia to the late Mamie Carter and Mack Lee.Robert was educated early on through the Richmond Public School System. At the age of 18,he joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War and served as a firefighter. He was stationed in Germany during his tour of duty and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.In 1994,he retired from C&P Telephone Company after 37 years of service. Even after retiring Robert never slowed down. His selflessness and compassionate spirit for helping others kept him constantly on the go,even during his illness. During the same year he retired from C&P,he began volunteering at Ratcliffe Elementary School for the Junior Achievement Program. He also volunteered at the Connects Federal Credit Union as Vice President of the supervisory committee for 20 years. In seeing the importance of our democratic voting system,Robert dedicated over 30 years as a faithful and dedicated worker at the Montezuma district voting polls.Robert was baptized at a young age at Fourth Baptist Church and he loved his church family dearly. He was a man of faith who devoted over 52 years of service to the Fourth Baptist Church family;serving in many capacities including,but not limited to,the Usher Board,Male Chorus,Superintendent of Sunday School,Caritas and his beloved Deacon Board. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1990 and served as Treasurer for many years. He served as Chairman of the Deacon Board from January 2005 through December 2006. Robert was an instrumental part in the foundation of the Fourth Baptist church family,always willing to lend a helping hand and serving the Lord with gladness.Robert had many interests. For 30 years Robert was an avid softball player,playing on 3 separate teams. He played with the Richmond Raiders Softball Team,C&P Company and the Southern Gentlemen Softball Team where he wore the lucky number 13,simultaneously.Another one of his many interests included hunting. Robert was a member of the Young Sportsman Hunting Club where his favorite game of choice included rabbit and deer. At the Young Sportsman Hunting Club,Robert also held the office of President.Robert Lee was preceded in death by a sister,Judie Lee Winston and stepson,Martin Baskerville. He leaves to cherish his memory,a devoted wife,Novella Lee;a devoted daughter,Gabrielle Lee;stepdaughters;Portia Baskerville,Alberta Branch and Hosheanah Eyahundi;stepsons;the devoted James Baskerville,Gregory Baskerville,Irving Bishop and Ivan Bishop;one adopted son,Michael Lee;one devoted brother,Malton Lee;one sister;Rebecca Lynch;a devoted daughter-in-law,Lillian Joyner-Baskerville;a host of cousins,nieces,nephews,grandchildren,great grandchildren and friends;including Aunt Barbara from Philadelphia,Robert D. Robertson,Audley Branch and a dear friend during his illness,Reverend Dr. Marion R. Tapscott.One of Robert Lee's favorite sayings was,I love you,God loves you and you can't do a thing about it!

Tributes

Deacon Robert Gaderet Lee

March 18, 1934 - August 22, 2008