CHARLES B. LEE (Age 86) Passed away August 24, 2009, at his home in Manassas, VA. His passing was preceded by that of his devoted wife of 62 years, Katie, one year earlier. Loving father of Randy Lee and wife, Josepha, Peggy Lee, Kay Ranstead, Geri Lee and husband, Charles Mallory and Mary Jo Hill and husband, Phil; devoted grandfather of 13 grandchildren. Charlie was born in Four Oaks, NC and moved to Arlington, VA in 1941 to work for the Weather Bureau in Washington, DC. He was a WWII veteran who served in the Army with the 443rd Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion from 1942-1945. After returning home from Europe at the end of the war, Charlie married the love of his life, Katie, in December 1945. They raised their family in Vienna, VA. He retired from the Department of Commerce/NOAA in 1978 and moved to Manassas. Charlie was a renowned square dance caller--he and Katie were avid square dancers and remained involved in dancing, calling, and teaching square dancing for over 50 years. Charlie was also dedicated to safe driving and taught 55 Alive classes to seniors as a volunteer for 25 years. He was an active member in the 443rd AAA Battalion Association. Charlie was passionate about life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He had a positive attitude that grew stronger throughout the years, which he passed on to his family he loved and cherished. The family invites friends to celebrate Charlie''s Life on August 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Found and Sons Lee Funeral Chapel, 8521 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA. The Funeral Mass will be held on August 28, 12 Noon at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Rd., Manassas, VA. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fisher House, www.fisherhouse.org , an organization that supports America''s military by providing "a home away from home" for family members during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.
Published in The Washington Post on Aug. 26, 2009.