Obituary of Keith Charles Lee

Keith Charles Lee, 56, suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Georgetown, South Carolina. Within hours, he went peacefully to heaven on September 30, 2024 with family by his side. Keith was born on March 25, 1968 in Huntsville Alabama to Charles and Linda Lee. He spent his childhood in Marietta Georgia. From an early age his spirit was wide open! He enjoyed all things outdoors including camping, BB guns, fishing and building forts. Fun loving and adventurous, he was climbing trees or running the neighborhood on bikes /go-carts. Diverse in his interests and talents, he played sports, loved animals, scouting, classic country music, and even played the electric guitar. He was a risk taker and protector, enjoyed woodworking, drawing, and tinkering with motors. A genius with his hands, it was evident there wasn’t anything he couldn’t repair or build. These talents and gifts carried him into a lifetime career in the construction industry which began upon graduation from high school. He attended Sprayberry High School in the graduating Class of 1986. Keith was a “jack of all trades” and often called “MacGyver.” His many skills included, carpentry, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, auto mechanics, aerodynamic casting, metal fabrication, welding, millwrights, and landscaping. Notable projects included Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Aquarium, Cook Museum of Natural Science, and Lockheed Martin Corp. Yet, with all these accolades, his proudest accomplishments were his children & grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of love and grit. Most of his adult life was spent in the mountains of Ellijay, Georgia, where he raised his children with former wife Dorothy Smith Willingham. Their children remember how he took his hat off while praying before each meal, and ending every phone call giving them “the Rock” reminding them in whom he gets his strength (Fist in the Air). He continued his love of nature by exploring the land, canoeing, hunting, and often said God spoke to him through His creation. None of us knew the end was near, and losing him deeply saddens us. We will build upon these same dreams as we carry on in hope without him. Keith Lee was an old soul, never gave up, a true survivor, stubborn until the end, and loved his Lord with all his heart. He is preceded in death by his mother Linda Felts Lee, grandparents, aunts, uncles, father-in-law Earl Smith, and his beloved dogs. He is survived by his father Charles Lee (Joyce) of Newnan, Georgia; son Keith Charles Lee, Jr. (Melissa), grandson Russell Lee of Ellijay, Georgia; daughter Jessica Lee McIntosh (Collin), granddaughter Ellie McIntosh of Port Hueneme, California; daughter Ashlyn Lee of Marietta, Georgia; sister Deborah Lee Imsande (Louis) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; twin sister Karen Lee Dupree (John) of Knoxville, Tennessee; and loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, the Smith family and his tried & true friends along the way. Keith’s final adventure was spent in the low country area of South Carolina with his dog, Bo, by his side. He often spoke of his love for the coast and how he would never leave. A small family ceremony was held on the grounds of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church. Reverend Louis Imsande commemorated his earthly life and assured us of our eternal reunion in heaven with the living Christ, where we will see him again. The promise: no more tears, struggle, pain, broken hearts, disease… and now Keith is free! “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” 2 Samuel 22 Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ridgewayfh.com Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242