Lacey Lee

Lacey James Lee passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025 at the age of 82, surrounded by his loved ones at his bedside. Lacey was born on January 21, 1943, in Harlan County in Kentucky, to the late James Edmond “Lett” Lee and Henrietta Rice of Greene County, Alabama. Lacey was a beacon of love and warmth to all that knew him. He was a praying man with a humble spirit.

Growing up, Lacey, affectionately known by many as “LJ” attended and graduated from East Benham High School in Benham, Kentucky in 1960-1961. Lacey played football and basketball. He was an avid sports fan. As a traditional and spiritual individual, it was common to hear Lacey singing gospel songs and attend other musical events. As a young man, Lacey left the state of Kentucky and joined his late wife, Vera Jean Lee and son, Michael Dwayne Lee in Harlem, NY. One year later, a second child was born, daughter, Michele Deniece Lee. While in Harlem, he was employed as a tailor and courier for a dry cleaner. While working as a tailor, he perfected his “good eye” for fashion and design. Those who knew Lacey complimented him on how coordinated and well-dressed he was. Being the family man he was, Lacey moved on to work two jobs; one as a mailroom clerk during the day at the Bali Company and a janitor at night for Columbia University. Later, a third child was born, daughter, Valerie Yvonne Lee

Lacey’s hard work ethic and performance paid dividends for he was promoted from the mailroom to the first African American salesman for the Bali Company in his District. After working two jobs for 15 years, he decided to pursue another career as a New York City Bus Operator. After 18 years of dedicated service with NYC Triboro Coach Corporation, he retired.

After retirement, Lacey moved to Alpharetta, GA and purchased a home where he resided with his current wife, Janina Dydnor, until he transitioned on October 26, 2025. He will be joined by his loved ones who preceded him in death. His parents, James and Henrietta Lee, Brothers: James D. Lee, Johnny Lee, Edmond Lee, Bonzi A. Lee, Floyd A. Lee and two sisters, Flora J. Shamburger and Mary G. Barrett.

After a life fulfilled, he is survived by his wife Janina Dyndor of Alpharetta, GA, son Michael Dwayne Lee of New London, CT and daughters Michele Deniece Lee of Toledo, OH and Valerie (Jesse) Yvonne Lee-Lloyd of Felton, DE and his five grandchildren Jeniqua Vera Rivers of Youngstown, OH, John Rivers of Toledo, OH, Michael Dwayne Lee Jr, of Connecticut, Jesse Lee Lloyd III and Jaren Xavier Lloyd of Felton, DE. Three Brothers: Eddie Lee (Alva J.) Carter of Plano, Texas, Herman (Delores) Lee of Lexington, Kentucky and one sister, Vera P. (Billy J.) Peoples of Springfield, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and host of friends.

A visitation will be held at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, located at 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ, 07036, on November 8, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

A prayer service will follow at the same location from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

The burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery and Crematory, 792 E Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ, 07036, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on November 8, 2025.