Gordon E Lee's Obituary
Lee, Gordon Emory 88, passed away Tuesday, October 25th at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. He was a native son of St. Petersburg, Florida born on Tierra Ceia Island, which was owned by his grandfather. He is predeceased by his former wife and mother of his three daughters, Rosmary Sarles Lee, his mother Alma Lillian, father Robert Edmund, his four brothers, Norman, Carl, Edmund, Russell, and his sister Martha Ballew. Gordon is survived by his wife of 29 years Patricia Ann Lee, daughter Sherry Melinda Boyington and son-in-law James Boyington, daughter Robin M.arie Lee, and daughter Michelle Lee Holley and son-in-law Patrick Holley.
Gordon accomplished many great things in his 88 years. After his birth on Tierra Ceia Island his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. At a young age Gordon began showing his drive and determination for success when he moved to Maine and worked for the forestry service, beginning as a logger and quickly moving up to supervisor. He then moved back to St. Petersburg and became an electrician with the Department of Education. After some time, he decided that he wanted to pursue his own business. He began G.E. Lee Electric in the late 50s. He married his former wife, Rosmary Sarles in 1960. During their 25 years of marriage, they had three daughters, Sherry Melinda, Robin Marie, and Michelle Ann. Some of his many accomplishments include being a business owner, scuba diver, golfer, bee keeper, pilot, and race car driver. Gordon never seemed to slow down. In the late 50s, Gordon sponsored the Dave Rudenis Class B No 24 Ford race car, which was busy winning trophies, at Sunshine Speedway. Soon after his first visit to Sunshine Speedway, he participated in a Sponsor's race. Gordon, who stared last and came in first, was bitten by the racing bug. The following week he persuaded Rudenis to let him drive in the heat, and Gordon won the race. After winning this race, he was considered a professional and the track would no longer allow him to race with the amateurs. He then went on to purchase his, now well known blue Ford 123, stock car. During his first season on the track, he demolished five cars, and went on to win the title of “The Upsidedown King.” When Golden Gate Speedway opened, he was the first driver to flip at the ”new” speedway. His pit crew admitted that they spent more time building racers than repairing them. After marrying his beloved wife Patrica in 1987, they traveled to many countries and enjoyed numerous cruises. Together they continued to run G.E. Lee Enterprises. The viewing will be on Monday October 31st at 10:00 AM, memorial service at 11:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life covered dish luncheon at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you make a donation to Suncoast Hospice Care.
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