Lee was born in Marietta, OH and attended Marietta grade schools and is a graduate of Greenbrier Military School of Lewisburg, WV in 1957.  He attended Ohio State University for one year then graduated from Marietta College in 1962.  He then attended Cincinnati College of Embalming, graduating in 1963.  He is married to the former Ruth Smith of St. Marys, WV, who is also a licensed funeral director.  Lee is a licensed Ohio & West Virginia Funeral Director and Embalmer and also a licensed funeral agent in Ohio.  He is also certified by the Cremation Association of North America as a crematory operator.

 He is active in the Masonic Bodies and is a member and secretary of Matamoras Lodge #374 of New Matamoras, OH and a duel member of Harmar Lodge #390 in Marietta, OH.  He is a past master of both lodges.  He is also a member and past presiding officer of the Marietta York Rite Bodies consisting of American Union Chapter #1 Royal Arch Masons, Marietta Council #78 Royal & Select Masons, and Marietta Commandery #50 Knights Templar.  He is also a Knight of York Cross of Honor and a past Deputy Division Commander of the 4th Division Knights Templar of Ohio.  He is a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees and the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar.  He is also a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #261, New Matamoras, OH, White Shrine of Jerusalem #12 of Marietta, Nemesis Temple A.A.N.M.O.S. , Parkersburg, WV.  He is also a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Pontiac/Oakland Club International, and National Corvette Restorers Association.  He is a collector of antique Corvettes, Pontiacs and funeral cars.