George Thomas "Tommy" Lee

George Thomas Lee (Tommy), born September 24, 1941, in Florence County, South Carolina, entered into his eternal rest surrounded by family and faith. He was the beloved son of the late Guyan Floyd Lee and Myrtle Hyman Lee.

Tommy graduated from Saint John’s High School and proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. He devoted 36 years of faithful service to Sonoco Products Company, where he worked in the Pipe Shop and also volunteered as a fireman.

A man of deep Christian faith, Tommy was a longtime member of First Church of the Nazarene. He served in many capacities within the church, including as a hospital chaplain and a regular visitor to local nursing homes. His heart for ministry extended across the Nazarene District, where he supported camps, missions, children’s ministry, and Sunday School.

In 1963, Tommy married the love of his life, Jean Riley Lee, with whom he shared 62 years of devotion. Together they raised two children, Tammy Lee Blanton (Tim) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Brian Thomas Lee (Penny) of Hartsville. Tommy took special joy in his grandchildren—Laura Blanton Pereira (Damean), Kyle Blanton (Caitlyn), Priscilla Streett (Justin), Brendan Lee, and Briley Lee—and in his great‑grandchildren, Alex, Blakely, and Adley.

His brothers include Ralph Floyd, R.E. Lee, Junior Lee, Frank Lee (Carol), Donnie Lee (Pat), and Larry Lee (Joyce); his sisters Elease Lee Wilson (Woodrow) and Sara Lee Pritchard (Claude); and a special sister‑in‑law and brother‑in‑law, Sheila and Al Mullis. He was cherished by many nieces and nephews.

An avid sports fan, Tommy cheered for the Atlanta Braves, the Hartsville Red Foxes, and the Washington Redskins. Blessed with natural athletic ability, he played football, volleyball, and basketball, and excelled in semi‑pro baseball, fast‑pitch softball, and softball—earning a reputation as a tremendous home‑run hitter.

Tommy’s life was marked by faith, service, and love for his family. His steady kindness, quick smile, and servant’s heart touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue in the many people he encouraged and the ministries he supported.

Funeral services of Remembrance will be held 11:00am Tuesday, from the Chapel of Norton Funeral Home.  Rev. Jimmy Beck and Dr. Gregory B. Boyd will officiate.  Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5:00-7:00pm Monday afternoon at Norton Funeral Home.  

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children, in honor of Tommy’s lifelong commitment to serving others.

Norton Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Lee family.

2 Timothy 4:7 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith