Paul Harvey Lee Obituary
Paul Harvey Lee, 86, of Middleburg, FL, beloved father, grandfather and coach, born on August 30, 1935, in Millville NJ to Margaret and Harvey Lee, passed on to be with his Heavenly Father on February 18 in Middleburg, FL, surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Esther, and beloved children: Paul Lee Jr, Paul W. Lee, Sharon Lee Tabasco (Joseph Barbato,) Lawanna Lee, Barry Lee (Laura), Brian Lee, Kyle Lee (Jennifer) and Harvey Lee (Lissette). His eyes always lit up whenever he saw any of his 8 grandchildren or 5 great grandchildren. He especially delighted in playing his harmonica with Roman, one of his great-grandchildren. Paul was preceded by his siblings, Linda Hamilton, Peggy DeWitt and Roger Austin.
Throughout his life Paul's first love was wrestling, finishing third in New Jersey in his HS weight class and later coaching wrestling at Clearview Regional High School in Mullica Hill, NJ. He also loved baseball, trying out for the Pittsburg Pirates baseball organization after graduating from Glassboro High School in 1953 and playing catcher for AA teams. Later in life his children provided the opportunity for him to catch at a Philadelphia Phillies Dream Week where he was the only one on his team to make a hit off of former Cardinals & K.C. Royals pitcher, Al "The Mad Hungarian" Hrabosky.
After graduation from Glassboro High School, he and his best friend, Don Lacy, secured what many considered dream jobs, driving cars around the South Jersey area for Mobil Oil Company. Later, both transferred to the Research Department where he worked for 20 years before leaving to teach Industrial Arts classes and coaching football and wrestling at Clearview Regional High School in Mullica Hill, NJ. To honor him as a friend as well as a coach, his whole football offensive line attended his retirement dinner. The superintendent noted that that was the first time a group of students honored a teacher in this way. Throughout his retirement he stayed in touch with many of his beloved students.
Paul also loved many things, especially playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often playing his guitar and harmonica for them. Throughout his life he loved working with kids, whether coaching teams in the Tri-County Midget Football League, youth baseball or sharing the hot dogs from his hot dog cart. He loved spending summers with his grandchildren, sharing adventures with them in Williamsburg, Philadelphia, NY City, the Poconos or Hawaii. He was most happy serving his hot dogs to customers at the old Toys R Us, the collegiate workers from Clay County Habitat for Humanity or to various organizations at functions sponsored by his church. He even served his hot dogs and his award-winning Penn State chili to the Penn State Cheerleaders and the Blue Band at home games at State College, after enjoying those famous Ye Old College Diner sticky buns.
He was a member of Middleburg United Methodist Church. Initiated as a Masonic Member in 1983, he served as the Worshipful Master of Middleburg Masonic Lodge #107, was a member of the Middleburg Shrine Club, served as President of the Orange Park Lions Club and also as President of the Clay County Master Gardeners.
Visitation will be Friday evening 5 to 7 pm at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens located at 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073. Funeral Service Middleburg United Methodist Church, Main St, Middleburg Saturday, March 5 at 11:00 am. Celebration of. His Life Luncheon will follow at the Middleburg United Church Family Life Center after the burial in the Masonic Section of Jacksonville Gardens, all are invited.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Paul's memory may be made to Youth Fund of Middleburg United Methodist Church, the Masonic Home at Coffee Pot Bay, FL, or you may wish to plant a tree in his honor. Paul was especially passionate about helping and working with youth.
