Lee was born on January 20, 1968, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and spent his life in the Soddy-Daisy and Hixson communities where his love of fishing, gardening, and small-town living flourished. He was a proud graduate of Soddy-Daisy High School, Class of 1986, where he made many life-long friends. Lee was known by those who loved him for his honesty, quiet generosity, and unwavering work ethic. Everyone knew that if they needed help, all they had to do was ask Lee, and he would be there without question. His life left a lasting impact on everyone, fortunate enough to know him.
Lee’s greatest accomplishment, he’d say, was being the father of both Miranda and Parker. The best days of his life were the days they were born. He spent his days working hard so he could provide them with what they needed. Lee always wanted to be there to help them when he could. Anyone who knew him would hear stories about his children when they were younger from fishing and camping trip stories with Parker, even when Parker’s fish were bigger than the ones Lee caught, to surprising a four year-old Miranda one Christmas morning with a customized Jeep she drove around countless times in the driveway. He also told stories about Miranda’s recent wedding reception where he got to dance with his babygirl, and about watching Parker Lee graduate from high school with honors. Each time he spoke of them, everyone could see the pride he had for them in his eyes.
In 2019, Lee found the love of his life, Vicki Lusk. Together, they enjoyed attending country music concerts, spending evenings at El Maguey to listen to live music, traveling to car shows, and spending other moments making countless memories with family and friends together.
For 39 years, Lee faithfully served Southern Champion Tray, where he worked as a tray machine operator, an assistant in the die shop, and finally as a building maintenance employee. In 1995, he founded Lee’s LawnCare, where he proudly served customers throughout the Chattanooga area for more than 30 years. Whether at SCT or in his business, Lee earned the reputation for being dependable, hardworking, and willing to lend a helping hand without complaints.
Outside of work, Lee enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, baking homemade bread, smoking meat for family gatherings, cheering for Alabama football, and spending peaceful evenings on his screened porch surrounded by bird feeders and the garden he carefully tended. He loved sharing homemade salsa from the vegetables he grew in his garden, caring for the stray cats he insisted “weren’t his,” and driving his beloved 1977 MG Midget convertible to local car shows.
Lee is survived by his beloved daughter, Miranda Kaitlynn Kilani, husband Omar Kilani, and grandson, Bradley Kilani; his son, Parker Lee Thornhill; his sisters, Pamela “Pam” Lane and husband Larry Lane, and Brandy Turner and husband Jason Turner; his nephews, Chase Bankston and Hayden Wolfe; his father, Owen Thornhill, and other extended family members, lifelong friends, coworkers, neighbors, and faithful customers.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his mother, Brenda Sanders, and his stepfather, Richard Sanders; his Aunt Jean Ritchie and his Uncle Charlie; his Mamaw Edith Ayers; and other loved ones whose memories he carried with him throughout his life.
The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist – North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tennessee. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Lee’s memory by extending kindness to someone in need, lending a helping hand, or spending time with the people you love — just as Lee did throughout his life.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Lee at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
