Thomas Lee

Mr. Thomas Lee, age 77, of Marietta, Georgia passed away at Kennestone Hospital, Friday, July 17, 2015. He was born November 22, 1937, in Seoul, Korea and raised his family in Marietta Georgia. Funeral Services will be held Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia. Thomas was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was married to Lisa Lee and their happy marriage of over 50 plus years created a legacy of two daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughters, Julie Lee (Michael), Ellie Lee (Terry), and son, Stephen; and all of the grandchildren, Ashley, Kayley, Grant, Natalie and Nicole. Thomas was a veteran of the Korean Army and a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Officer School. He enjoyed an illustrious 25-year career as the Senior National Asian Marketing Executive for Coca-Cola. He also worked diligently and dedicated much of his philanthropic efforts to the local, national, and international community working with organizations including the Americas ASEAN Advisory Board, Korean-American Chamber of Commerce, Korean–American Grocers Association, US Congress and US Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Governor's Asian Advisory Board, and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. Thomas was the recipient of numerous and prestigious awards. The highlights of these include the Dongbaeg (Camellia) Medal and The Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Dongbaeg (Camellia) Medal is the Republic of Korea’s highest civilian honor and recognizes special individuals who contribute to Korea’s international standing. Lee was recognized for his contributions in building and improving relationships between Korea and America and their citizens. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is an American award founded by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) and pays homage to the immigrant experience and the contribution made to America by immigrants and their children. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks among the nation's most prestigious awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record. Past medalists include six Presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government. Thomas enjoyed socializing and meeting with luminary political figures, and he had the fortunate opportunity to interact with former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon. He also loved entertaining friends, playing golf, listening to music and traveling around the world. He loved all his children and grandchildren very much and truly enjoyed spending his free time participating and attending in their activities. He loved to laugh and share his life stories, which were engaging and had the ability to make everyone feel special. Every Thanksgiving the whole family meets in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to celebrate his birthday, Thanksgiving, his grandson Grant’s birthday, and an early Christmas. Due to this tradition, Thomas requested to be rested in North Carolina overlooking a peaceful view so that this Thanksgiving tradition could be continued. If desired, memorials can be made to an organization that continues improving the Korean community or one of your choices. Family will receive friends Monday, July 20, 2015 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Thomas Lee

November 22, 1937 - July 17, 2015