John David Lee, age 68, of Marietta, died Sunday, January 20, 2019, at his home from natural causes. John was born on October 6, 1950 at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta to John Wesley Gaines Lee and Stella Woods Lee. He is survived by his wife Nancy, two sisters, Jean Johnson of Hawaii, and Judy Morrison of Texas, and a brother, Laurence Lee, of Marietta.
John grew up in Marietta, attended local schools, and graduated from Marietta High’s immortal Class of 1968, the state AAA football champions. For the rest of his life, John could recite with enthusiasm the key plays and scores of the Blue Devil’s big game. His amazing memory for details related to his life and adventures continued to the end of his life.
He was a vigorous and joyful conversationalist. After graduation he joined the United States Army, serving three years on active duty with the elite Army Security Agency including a remote, hardship tour overseas in Turkey. This conflict-ridden and culturally rich area of the world undoubtedly fueled John’s later decision to become a history major after his military service ended.
John attended Georgia State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and later did post graduate work. John began his professional career with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services in Atlanta where he fell in love with the world of computers and IT. Through this experience he gained the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue his natural calling as a consultant, training, and project manager.
His career took him all over North America managing complex projects for a variety of products and companies. His work-related travel from Alaska to Florida was a portent of the globe-trotting that awaited him in retirement. It was while in college that John met Nancy, the love and lady of his life.
They were a great match from the first date, looked stunning in evening wear, and have been perfect companions in life ever since. John and Nancy were seasoned travelers taking almost forty cruises at sea and on rivers to destinations all over the world. They attacked travel by horse and foot and never gave it up.
An historian with an encyclopedic grasp of the subject, John loved to study and read about war, conflicts, and politics. In the last few years, he was able to visit many of the places he knew from his studies and share his erudition and learned perspective with his fellow travelers. John would have been quite at home in a college classroom teaching history’s many lessons.
In addition, he had an ear for languages and a truly dignified way of waging conversation, a Russian phrase he loved. A true renaissance man, John was known and loved for his intellect, his wit, and his zest for life. In addition, his generosity was well known as he never returned from a trip without something for his friends and family.
His passing leaves a unfillable void for those who knew him, and a hole in the fan base of international and Atlanta United futbol that can never be filled. He attended games abroad, and he had a closet full of jerseys of his favorite teams including his beloved Tottenham Spurs. He was a fan’s fan.
John’s life will be remembered and celebrated in private services. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John David Lee please visit our Sympathy Store.
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