Ben Palmer Lee

November 9, 1951 – June 24, 2026

Ben Palmer Lee passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Born on November 9, 1951, in Troy, Alabama, Ben was the son of J.B. and Evelyn Lee.

A proud son of Pike County, Ben grew up in Brundidge where he developed a lifelong love of sports, family, and community. He attended Pike County High School, excelling in both football and baseball before continuing his football career at Troy State University, where he earned a degree in Accounting. The friendships he formed and lessons he learned through athletics remained important to him throughout his life.

Following college, Ben began a distinguished professional career that would span more than four decades. What started as a young man’s goal to become a Certified Public Accountant evolved into a career that earned him recognition as one of Georgia’s most respected accounting and forensic financial professionals. Ben served as a CPA, Certified in Financial Forensics, Certified Fraud Examiner, fraud consultant, auditor, litigation support specialist, and expert witness. He conducted and supervised more than 1,000 audit engagements and was frequently called upon to investigate fraud, provide expert testimony, and help clients navigate complex financial matters.

Ben taught auditing courses to CPA firms throughout the United States, served as an instructor for the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, helped develop governmental accounting standards for the State of Georgia, and was selected as one of only 75 CPAs nationwide to assist in developing portions of the computerized CPA examination.

Service to others was a cornerstone of Ben’s life. He believed deeply in giving back to his community and dedicated countless hours to organizations that strengthened the lives of others. Over the years, he served and supported the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Rotary Club, American Red Cross, Brunswick-Glynn County Chamber of Commerce, College of Coastal Georgia, Coastal Symphony of Georgia, and numerous other civic, charitable, and professional organizations. Through leadership, mentorship, fundraising, and volunteer service, Ben left an enduring impact on the communities he called home.

While he enjoyed a successful career, Ben never lost sight of what mattered most. He loved spending time with family and friends, whether on the golf course at Sea Island, around a football game, or in a duck blind at The Limit Lodge on Lake Seminole. There he earned the affectionate nickname “Dr. Duck,” a title he wore with pride among a close-knit group of hunting companions.

Ben was also a passionate Alabama Crimson Tide fan. His admiration for legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant ran so deep that he honored the coach by giving his sons middle names inspired by Bryant. Fall Saturdays were reserved for Alabama football, and few things brought him greater joy than sharing that passion with family and friends.

Above all, Ben was a devoted family man. He is survived by his children, Meghan Hurley (Chris), Jon Lee (Rachel), and Josh Lee (Heather); and his cherished grandchildren, Charlotte and Jack Hurley, and Hayes, Palmer, Fulton, Henry, Bryant, Taylor, and Thomas Lee. Nothing made him prouder than watching his children and grandchildren grow, succeed, and build lives of their own.

Ben will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, and genuine love for people. He was a trusted advisor, a leader, a sportsman, and a friend. Whether helping a client solve a difficult problem, serving his community, cheering on the Crimson Tide, or spending time with those he loved most, Ben approached life with passion, humor, and purpose.

His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the community he served, the profession he helped shape, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Rotary International, www.rotary.org.