Stephen "Steve" Anderson Lee

Raleigh-born and raised, Steve played varsity basketball for Daniels Jr. High School and Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh NC. He was one of the last athletes at the school to be awarded an "R," signifying the school’s former name, Raleigh High School. He graduated with the class of 1964 and remained life-long friends with so many from that time. They remember Steve as an escort on the Queen of Hearts Court, a long-held Broughton tradition, and for receiving the class superlative for “Wit.”

Upon graduation, Steve attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC. Between 1964-1966, he studied physical education and history at UNC. He maintained a passion for history throughout his life, with a special interest in local history. Between 1966-1970, Steve served as an intelligence analyst for the United States Air Force, receiving top secret clearance during his years of service. He returned to UNC to earn a Master of Arts degree in teaching in 1973.

After working for two years as a training evaluation supervisor and research associate for NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards, Steve went on to build a career in real estate. Between 1976-1991, he worked as a real estate appraiser with Dodd and Associates. He was a real estate agent for Fonville Morisey Realtors; a partner at Bowling & Lee Realtors; and an owner at Steve Lee and Associates. Leveraging his teaching degree, Steve was also a brokerage operations instructor at Wake Technical College. He served as a member of the Raleigh Board of Realtors, and became an NC State-certified residential real estate appraiser during his career. At the end of his career, Steve retired from Wells Fargo's Trust Department as a real estate advisor.

Along the way, Steve made a run for Mayor of Raleigh in 1999. He loved his hometown of Raleigh, NC and could talk for hours about the history of Raleigh and the growth of his city over the years.

Steve was predeceased in death by his mother, Mary Alexander; father, Raymond H. Lee; sister, Pat Lee; and nephew, Tres Magner. He is survived by his loving wife, Margie Lee; his sister, Alex Magner; his stepson Charles L. Rudder, Jr. and wife, Carla Rudder; his two grand-daughters, Violet and Hazel Rudder (the light and loves of his life); sister-in-law, Linda F. Thomas and husband Hooker Thomas; and his nephew, Jason Thomas. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank you all for your support. Special thanks to Stewart Wilson, who was by Steve's side through his final weeks.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 2:00pm at Hillcrest Cemetery, 608 Page Rd., Cary, NC 27511.

Contributions of flowers would be appreciated, as would donations to Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh.