09/12/2026
Cousin Richard Marcus Lee entered this life on November 22, 1955, in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
He was the oldest son of John Collins Lee Jr. and Ella Mae Warner Lee.
Richard was a 1974 graduate of Meadville Area High School in Meadville, where he played football as a Meadville Bulldog. He was recruited to Slippery Rock College, now Slippery Rock University, to play football. Richard loved football and remained fond of his high school and college teammates. He later became a season-ticket holder for the Detroit Lions. He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds and was an avid fan of girls' basketball. He often followed standout male and female athletes from the high school level through their professional careers.
Music, sports, and his military career played important roles in Richard's life. As a child, he loved the military and played with toy soldiers; as an adult, he became a soldier.
Richard built a long and distinguished career in the United States Army. He entered the Army in 1980 and served over the course of nearly three decades through Active Duty, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve. His military career took him throughout the United States and overseas, including assignments in Germany and Panama. After leaving active duty in 1995 and returning to civilian construction work, Richard returned to military service following the September 11 attacks. He later deployed to Iraq, where he served in combat-zone convoy, transportation, and security operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Richard served two back-to-back tours in Iraq, choosing to extend his first tour rather than return home. During his career, he received numerous military awards and commendations in recognition of his service and performance. Richard retired from military service in December 2009 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. His service to his country remained one of the great sources of pride in his life.
Richard married the love of his life, Tracy Flennoy Lee, on January 2, 2013, becoming the first couple married by their Harper Woods judge that year. Those who knew Richard well knew how proudly and affectionately he spoke of his wife. Richard and Tracy enjoyed traveling, attending family gatherings, fine dining, and sporting events together. Pennsylvania remained an important part of Richard's life, while Michigan also became home.
Richard valued the relationships he built throughout his life. He maintained friendships dating back to his college years at Slippery Rock and enjoyed reconnecting with longtime friends at gatherings over the years. He valued his family, his many cousins, his fellow veterans, and friendships formed throughout the different chapters of his life.
Richard was a spiritual person and frequently recited meaningful quotes about healthy Christian living. He loved the National Association of the Church of God Campground in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, also known as Mount Zion. His great-grandfather, James Christman, was one of the campground's founding members. Richard carried on a legacy of service and generosity there. He traditionally rented a golf cart to transport elderly attendees and others to services and loved the annual meeting, attending services, and spending time with family and friends at Mount Zion.
Richard joined Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he loved the services, the Mega Men, and his BCAME church family. When he was out of town, he faithfully watched Sunday services virtually and continued to send his offering.
Richard leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Tracy Flennoy Lee; his mother, Ella Mae Warner Lee; his sister, LaVerne Sommerville (Larry); his daughters, Jennifer Waldron (Harold) and Alexandra Dominguez; his grandsons, Isaiah, Issac, and Alonzo; his nephews, LeVar Sommerville (Michelle) and Loren Sommerville; his sister-in-law, Barbara Lee; his mother-in-law, Rudene Flennoy; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Fletcher Flennoy (Regina), Kim Barnes, and Domekia Robson (Mark); along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, fellow veterans, and many longtime friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, John Collins Lee Jr.; his younger brother, John Collins Lee III; his father-in-law, Fletcher Flennoy Sr.; and his brother-in-law, Cody Barnes. Richard shared a very close bond with his brother, John Collins Lee III, who passed away on May 15, 2026, and with his sister-in-law, Barbara Lee.
Richard took great pride in the things that shaped his life—his Meadville roots, football, music, the friendships he carried with him through the decades, his family, his faith, and his military career. He will be remembered for the stories he shared, the relationships he valued, his generosity toward others, and the pride he took in the life he had lived. Service to his country was not simply something Richard had done; it remained an important part of who he was.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Pleasantview Alliance Church, 16233 State Rt. 86, Saegertown. Family hour will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Richard's memory to the American Cancer Society Memorial Giving program or the Fisher House Foundation, which supports veterans, military members, and their families.
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com
