Obituary of Ricky Steven Lee

Rick S. Lee of Roanoke, Va went to be with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of Monday, March 27, 2023 after close to a 20-year battle against diabetes & multiple strokes.

Rick was a lifelong resident of Roanoke, Va & a 1972 graduate of William Fleming High School. After high school he attended Virginia Tech before marrying the love of his life. Rick & Karen would have been married 49-years this coming September. Rick was a dedicated christian man, that did not wavier from his faith, he served faithfully at Cave Spring Baptist Church for 30 years.

Rick worked over 30-years as a manufacturers' sales representative in the plumbing & heating industry. He loved calling on his customers and over the years he developed some really good friendships. He also enjoyed eating at different restaurants that he had come across during his business travels.

Up until his first stroke in June of 2003 Rick was an avid runner. Rick ran track all four years in high school. He ran a personal best in the mile, which he ran in high school, of 4:33.

Rick loved the candy Bit-O-Honey. He loved taking his family to the beach & taking hikes with his dad at Grayson Highlands State Park. He loved Virginia Tech football & always said that Mickey Mantle was the greatest baseball player ever.

Due to his declining health Rick was unable to get out & support his grandchildren in their various activities (dance, golf, swimming, wrestling, soccer, football, basketball, & baseball) like he wanted to but he always asked about them and wanted to know how they were doing in their activities during any given season. He loved all four of his grandchildren dearly & with all of his heart.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents whom he loved deeply, Richard & Dorothy Lee. Also, his brother-in-law Barry Francisco. He is also survived by his favorite sister & brother-in-law, Eric & Beth Hall & his two nephews Patrick & Lee Hall. He is also survived by his wife of 48-years, Karen Francisco Lee & their two children Matthew S. Lee & Mary-Kathryn Bailey. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Katie Lee & son-in-law, Ryan Bailey & four grandchildren Reagan Bailey, Evan Lee, Olivia Bailey, & Anson Lee.

We would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice & Loyal Caregivers for the kindness & compassionate care they provided for Rick over the past couple of months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or Cave Spring Baptist Church. The family also requests that you take a run/jog/walk in Rick's honor because he loved to run.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cave Spring Baptist Church on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 2pm. with Carey Robinson officiating. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel. (540)366-0707.