Tracy, I remember when we were neighbors and we walked the Ringling Bridge.  You were so kind and easy to talk with. Your Mom was always outside tending to her flowers. My heart goes out to your family and friends. You are missed as a friend and colleague.
SHERRY ELLIS

Prayers  and Love to all. Tracey was one that I truly trusted with  all his knowledge  and thoughtfulness. His sincerity in his eyes and heart really shined . His father. Dick was there for me and referred me to Tracey when he got ill. Tracey was always there for any questions or concerns. We lost a great one here. Only Love!

I have only known Tracy for a few short months. Pastor Tim Johnson was so excited to introduce us so we could discuss how he could get involved with Orlando Serve Foundation and He Got Up.  Tracy instantly latched on to our vision and from that point forward, he freely shared his time and talent, volunteered for every He Got Up event and participated in every Board call. Our Foundation and my heart will always be touched by his generosity and kind hearted spirit. He truly wanted to make a difference for the members of our society who need it most  AND HE DID! 

I met Tracy through his mother,  cleaning her house. I would always see him when he lived there, but then when he moved out to his own home, he would still come by to visit his mom.  Such a sweet son! Then he became my client where I would clean his home. I got to know more about Tracy and learn that he had such a soft caring and kind heart to all that was near him! He was such a wonderful father and seen how much he adore Emelynn. 
I will always remember when I return to clean his home after my recovery from my broke ribs, of how happy he was to see me! He walked up to me gave me a big hug and said "I'm so happy that you are here, we miss you".  With a big smile too. 
I will miss going to your home and having our children conversations. You are such a nice, sweet gentleman that will be missed by me and so many more. I'm glad that I got to be part of your life and I will see you in heaven  one day Tracy Lee. 

I only knew Tracy for a short time,  but I’m that short time this man made me feel like I was a part of his family!  My first memory of Tracy is bringing in this 2019 new year with him and Patricia, and more members of my Sarasota family.  Tracy took of all of us that night, making it a night I will never ever forget! We shared a cute moment where he shared how much he loved Patricia. I loved seeing them together.  The way he cares for her, I took with me into my own relationship.   It’s hard to think that such a great man has been called home to the heavens, but God had a mission for up there now!  And at least I know I have another angel watching over all of us!  
Thank you Tracy...Thank you! 

I am truly saddened at the loss of a very young friend.  I had the joy of wrestling with Tracy at Sarasota High.  His determination to be the best certainly runs in the blood of the entire Lee Family.   I was thrilled when Tracy reached out to me to help one day a week with the  wrestlers at SHS.   Getting back on the mat with Tracy and Cam was in the back of my mind for the last few weeks.   In his Honor,  I will try and help what I can.  
  My thoughts are with his Family and his Loved ones.  
Tracy Lee,  You will be Truly Missed.

 Brent Yoder.

Tracy was a one of a kind person. He was just an all-around good human being with many talents. The first time I met Tracy was at Sarasota High School. One of the kindest souls you could ever meet. The Lee Family was very popular. He helped many people, including myself out of a lot of difficult situations. He was a great listener and was very calm, smart and assuring. Richard Tracy Lee stood for what is good in this world. We all LOST with this mans passing. But he left us doing what he loved, so we can take solice in that. God called on him,  and  now has a Champion in his Kingdom.

To the entire Lee family...
I couldn't believe it when we received a call from our cousin Dwight the other day with this very sad sad news. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you. A life taken way toooo soon. Tracy was always so kind to me when we got together at the Lee family home for a party or cookout. He always had a smile. Always welcoming . I can't imagine having to go through this sudden loss. But I am sure that his Dad has him in his arms. If there is anything we can do please let us know. We love you guys.
love 
Byron and Crystal DeVoe

This was our friend. Kind and caring to all that he came in contact with. 17 years ago. Tracy came to my  horse barn at way early  hours to deliver this crazy boy. His love for horses brought us together. My daughter adored you. We will miss you.  

It seems it was only yesterday that Tracy was one of the Boys playing in the neighborhood and doing what young boys do.  Mourning the loss of one of those boys prematurally is a sad thing.  Our children are supposed to bury us and not the other way around.   I send my heartfelt remorse  for the Lee Family having to do so and regret their unimaginable grief.

Bob Richardson 

My prayers go out to Tracy's family.  I just want you all to know Tracy was there for me in a very difficult time in my life. Words cannot Express the feelings I have with the utmost respect he was always there for me no matter when I called or texted him he always replied right away  I am forever grateful for what he did for me and also my son. May God Bless all of you. Tracy will never be forgotten.  Until we meet again in Heaven. 

Met Tracy in high school class of 86 "where greatness sticks".
My thoughts and prayers are with all of us mourning this terrible loss of a dear friend.
God speed Tracy
Bruggs 86

Eight years ago we met Tracy when our daughters Margo & Emi became friends @ just 3 years old. To this day they have been BFFs.  Over the years we developed a true friendship w/ Tracy. I've always felt so  blessed that Tracy trusted us w/ his most special angel- Emi. I love Emi & always will love her like my 2nd daughter. The memories  we were blessed w/ as 2 families will forever remain in my heart. Tracy was no doubt one of the most kindest, selfless, best dads I have ever known. Truly one of a kind. He looked after & cared for my daughter Margo to perfection. As a mother, what that meant to me words cannot describe. My familys love & prayers go out to Emilynn, Mamma Lee & the whole Lee family. Tracy I know you would want us to continue connecting our girls. We will always be here for Emilynn & carry on bonding w/ the girls. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts and prayers, Margo Jane, Ronda, Jim & Michael.... Until we meet again💓🙏

I remember when I begun working for Tracy's father, Dick, we were so excited when Tracy passed the bar & started working with us. Tracy truly cared about the clients & their needs. He always had a wonderful smile on his face & joy to work with. Prayers to the entire family for your loss. Pam Joyce Miller

My condolences to Tracey's family . Very sorry for your loss. I have known Tracey since playing little league with him as a kid. Will miss him

I still remember the first day of 4th grade, Mrs. Lohr's class.  There was the cutest "guy" 2 seats behind me.  My first boyfriend. He was so sweet.  Tracy used to come see me in ballet class.  I used to go watch him play baseball. We were inseparable for about 2 years.  Marilynn would always pick me up to do things with Tracy and Jon and Cathy Lee.  So many fond memories.  Lots of time at their pool and school outings.   I had only seen him a couple of times since high school, but we spoke many times....I spoke to Tracy just a few months ago.  I texted him about a family problem, and he called me in less than 10 seconds with words of comfort.  I am heartbroken that Tracy is gone.  I truly wished we had visited more thru the years.   I love you Tracy and you will be missed dearly.  Alicia Howell

My heart go’s out to the Lee family. Tracy was a kind, giving, honorable man, a true friend and magnificent father. About 8 years ago my daughter and Tracy’s daughter became best friends. To this day they are besties and the regular sleepovers have always been a blessing for the children. Last week as we took the kids roller skating we laughed and played. Tracy was always up for and challenge. This has been devastating to all of us, especially the children who loved you so dearly. Journey on my friend and thank you for being such a friend and blessings to our family. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Jim Rouches 

As most, we are in disbelief of this news. Tracy was always a kind, Intelligent, caring, thoughtful, friend who was just always there. He tried to help everyone who was in need. He will be missed by us and many. Our love,thoughts, and prayers go out to the family. The stars shine brighter now my friend.

We want to extend our Prayers and sadness to the family Tracy wrestled with our son in High School. He was a very soft spoken kid but always friendly with everyone. He will sure be missed but always present in their hearts of all that knew him.  May the perpetual light always shine upon him . John and Bonnie Turgeon.

Tracy was strong, considerate, intelligent, poised, full of grace and gone far too soon.  This community is really feeling a huge loss.  So many people were affected positively by his work and charity.  He was a class act and a true southern gentleman.  We miss him already and are in disbelief.    

Goodbye my Friend! You really helped me when I was at my lowest. You gave me your favorite horse Angel so I can learn how to ride and you sold us Sasha so I can start my horseback riding business, then you rented us a Pink house so we can have shelter and pasture for my horses and for me not be homeless as you knew I would not leave my horses behind.  There are many happy and sad memories which are going to stay with the Pink house - we raised GS puppies there from Blitz,  Elvis, Splash, Simon and Lucky D were born there (horses), Bruno the working GS first got sick there, Dolomit died there.  I learned to ride on a large acreage at night with large cattle running face forward and not be scared of it...under the full moon. I rode my mare Tikka with her baby Elvis side by side... So much to list here as I am crying...  I found out that Akhal-Tekes  are faster than Quarter horses as I ran away from cowboys... and I  beat them lol! You hoped on untrained Akhal-Teke stallion Dolomit and he threw you on the ground at my old farm... you got a scar right by your heart... you were not scared or neither cared about it. Your daughter was just about to be born that time... You loved to have a thrill! Thanks to You, I got to keep all my wonderful Akhal-Teke horses and move forward. My heart is aching today as it wasn't your time...I was at your Ranch, your Daddy ranch not so long ago and I wish I reached out and tell you how beautiful it was! I know its owned by the rich family now... but to me it is still your ranch... Lee Ranch. Fly with Angel my friend... tell her that I missed her. I attach the picture of Arabella - Elvis first daughter... let her lead your new path in the sky.

Tracy and I first met in law school, and became close friends immediately.  As I was struggling through my morning today, dealing with the mundane tasks and routines of a Monday, I could think of nothing other than the soft spoken, spiritual, infectiously positive and loving gentle giant of a man who I am very lucky to have known.  Like Dr. Edens, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Teddy Roosevelt’s quote, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Living a thousand miles from Sarasota, in the decades since we completed law school, I didn’t get to see as much of Tracy as I would have liked.  But we had many family vacations in beautiful Siesta Key, and Tracy joined my family for a Colorado skiing trip a few years ago.  Whenever we would get together, we picked up where we left off, as if we lived next door to each other.  I feel very lucky to have been with Tracy less than a month ago, when my oldest son Bob and I were in Florida, and we met up with Tracy a few of his wrestlers for a tournament.  When we all went out to dinner the night before the tournament, these six men and young men all held hands and prayed before the meal, led by Tracy.
Tracy was the best man I have ever known, and that’s why I asked him to be my best man when I was married 19 years ago.  To my children, he is “Uncle Tracy”.  When I brought my daughter to Sarasota at the age of 6, Tracy took us out to where he kept his horses, and taught her how to ride.  My daughter now has a horse of her own (“Snaps”), and still going strong.  When I brought my son to Sarasota at the age of 12, Tracy took him to a shooting range and taught him how to shoot (many) pistols, and that remains one of the most thrilling experiences of my son’s life.  Last month, Tracy coached another of my sons in a wrestling tournament.  Tracy just had a way of giving and giving of himself, and never running out of himself to give.  You never had to ask; he just knew how to make those around him happy.
Goodbye Buddy; I Love You


Tracy Lee is a man I have admired for the past 20 years.  A true man of God whom was loved and respected by many from all different levels.  When I think of Tracy I think of T.  Roosevelt quote because Tracy was a man who often spoke softly but always carried with him a big stick.  Tracy gave true meaning to the word “Gentle-Man”.  There was nothing in life, whether big or small, that I couldn’t bring to Tracy in order to get a better perspective.  Tracy was well educated and knew the law but I admired him mostly for his wisdom.  He was a family man which was evident in the way he loved his mother, sister and brother.  Tracy has achieved many accolades, but the one thing Tracy was most proud of was his gorgeous little girl.  He was a proud papa and EmmyLynn brought an added sparkle to his eyes.  I’m saddened and sorry for his premature departure but very thankful I knew and loved this Mighty-Man! Miss you buddy!

Tracey was a friend, first and foremost, the kind who seemed not to know the word “no”, and a colleague over the years who shared office space  in my firm for  two years, and just last week called to ask me to be a reference for a new position as a part-time high school wrestling coach, about which he was so enthusiastic. We just spoke late Friday night when I referred him a case - nothing out of the ordinary - this is really just so sad; our community is diminished today

I did not personally know "Coach" Lee, but I wanted to share my gratitude for being part of his final hours in this world. 

I train and have participated in many martial arts competitions late in life and being two years his senior, I was so very happy to see him during his match that day.

He had a joyful look upon his face as he fought for position with grace and fluidity.  It was obvious he was doing what he loved and longed to do, and I am fortunate that I was in position to live these moments vicariously through him.  

When the match ended an applaud arose from the dozens of spectators(the only match that day that received applause). Not the kind of obligatory clapping that is the norm, but something far deeper. In that concerted tone I recognized something more. In retrospect, it is easy to decipher now.  We stood by and watched more than just a wrestling match between a mature Lion and a yearning cub. We watched a Poet composing his last stanza, holding that pen and paper with an unwavering spirit and an undeniable assurance. 

What he wrote that day is a small but significant part of a larger work.  A collective, a way of life,  that builds character and perseverance within the human soul in a way second to none. 

One of our boys locked himself in the Church bathroom during service this morning when he learned of Coach Lee's passing. He was talking with Coach only moments before he passed on Saturday.  This young man, my boys, and our entire family will be praying for all those who Coach Lee left behind. We are truly sorry for your loss, but thankful we had the honor of briefly knowing him. 

Our sincerest condolences. 

Joseph Apicella
Fort Pierce Central H.S. wrestling Dad




Completely stunned. For his loved ones you are all in my prayers. Tracy was such a good man. He was the voice of reason when i was completely insane.  When i was crashing from alcoholism and everyone started to disappear he came to my house, picked me up, and drove me to my court appointment in Tampa. On the way home we stopped on the Skyway fishing pier and had a coming to Jesus talk and he made me want to get better. I got better. Tracy I'm heartbroken for your family but thank you for being the person i needed at that exact moment...

OBITUARY

Richard Tracy Lee

January 27, 1968 – June 1, 2019

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

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