Charles Kenneth Lee

Charles Kenneth Lee, 89, of Wingate, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, after a brief stay in hospice. He was born in Union County, NC, on June 3, 1935, son of the late Worth Layvan Lee and Lois Griffin Lee. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Joyce “Mimi” Stack; son, Charles “Chuck” Kenneth Lee Jr.; brothers, Robert Lee, Larry Lee, and Dennis Lee; sisters, Elizabeth Starnes, Jean Jenkins, Lottie Hunter, and Marsha Hunter; as well as his beloved hunting dog, “Brownie.”

Charles is survived by his daughter, Donna, and son-in-law, Charlie Pressley; his brother, Harry Lee; sisters, Betty Lee Griffin, Ruth Lee, and Mary Lee; grandchildren, Renee Lee-Walter (Jonathan) Hobbs, Paige Pressley, and Cole Pressley; eight great-grandchildren; and his two rescue dogs, “Lee” and “Harry.”

Charles Lee volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1953 and served as a Corporal and Rifle Squad Leader in the 101st, 11th, and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He was an expert marksman and was part of the Division Rifle Team. Lee was discharged in 1957 after suffering severe injuries when his parachute harness malfunctioned during a training jump in Germany. Upon returning home, he married his love, Joyce, and had two children.

After his military service, Charles found a strong passion for cars and racing. He was heavily involved in the drag racing scene around Union County in the 1960s and was a founding member of the Monroe Sidewinders Car Club, which he remained active in until his death. He became a subject matter expert in engines and was always looking for new ways to squeeze more horsepower out of a Ford Motor. After working several years as a Lead Technician at Bowie Ford, Charles established and operated Monroe Automotive until his retirement. However, he continued to repair and restore cars at his home shop in Wingate.

Charles had an unwavering passion for the outdoors. He was a member of several hunting clubs for many decades and would fish any body of water that could hold his lure. He “allegedly” changed the horsepower rating decal on his boat motor to obey the rules of local lakes while ensuring his boat would be the first one anchored at his favorite honey hole. He was always willing to pass on his knowledge of angling, fieldcraft, and marksmanship to anyone who asked.

Charles Lee was thought of highly by his friends and family and was described as always willing to give the shirt off his back to those in need. He was known for his quick wit and provided us all with many memorable jokes and stories filled with his “one-liners.” He could always be heard whistling a tune while he “piddled” around with his many hobbies. He always kept his calendar full with NASCAR race functions, fish fry’s, flea market hunts, and spring tomato crops. Charles deeply enjoyed quality time with family, long conversations with friends, and a good pair of overalls.

Charles Lee was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the donor’s choice of Atrium Health Hospice and Palliative care Union, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110 or Monroe Low Cost Spayed and Neuter Clinic, 1404 East Franklin Street, Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the Lee Family.