Clarence ‘Pete’ Lee celebrates his 90th birthday (April 4) with his family at Roanoke’s Quarter Restaurant.
If you were to ask those who really know ‘Pete’ Lee, they would probably describe him as a ‘gentle giant’; a soft spoken gentleman of small statue, yet one who walks tall in dignity, integrity, and humility with a strong faith in God and a heart filled with love and compassion for his family, friends, church, and community.
A Roanoke native, he grew up the oldest son of 3 siblings and at age 6 lost his mom. When he became old enough to work, he took it upon himself to help his dad support the family by finding odd jobs like scrubbing floors and selling ice cream. He remembers his favorite job as a young boy was having an ice cream wagon selling popsicles and dixie cups in the neighborhood. “It was a lot of fun but hard work selling ice cream. I had to walk from northeast to southeast to get my wagon and load it up. Then I’d walk the neighborhoods to sell the ice cream. The fun was having an ice cream treat whenever I wanted, of course, after I earned enough money for that day.” he recollects. Before completing high school, he enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II, from 1942-1946, returning with an honorable discharge. He shares a memory of the war, “I remember heading to the South Pacific to fight the Japanese. We got word the war had ended after they dropped the nuclear bomb. Our ship still had to go to Okinawa to guard the troops, but I was so glad the war was over.” After the war, Clarence went back to high school to complete his education receiving his high school diploma. He then married his high school sweetheart, Mamie (Fisher), sharing 67 wonderful years together. They have three daughters, Naraye, Carolyn (Edward), Brenda (Lee), 2 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Clarence’s professional career began at the Salem VA Medical Center, as a dietitian where he quickly moved into the position of Supervisor of Dietetics, retiring after 35 years of service. While working at the VA. For eight years he served active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves. And, when his daughters attended Gilmer Elementary School, he served as President of the PTA which he said was the most rewarding experience being active in their school. Committed to the work of his church, he has served on the Usher Board, Deacon Board, and as a member of the Trustee Board at First Baptist Church Gainsboro, of Roanoke. Until the past couple years, you could find Pete on early mornings working the Shoe Shine Stand at the Roanoke International Airport or later in the day cutting someone’s grass in the neighborhoods with his lawn service.
Even now at age 90 and enjoying full retirement, Pete Lee still keeps busy maintaining his home and offering a helping hand when and where he can. He continues to enjoy life going to his church and traveling with his wife, Mamie, to visit their daughters and families in Florida, Illinois and Wisconsin. Pete Lee says he is very thankful for all his life’s experiences, a beautiful family and many friends. When asked how he feels about celebrating a 90th birthday, Pete gives that bright smile responding, “Everyday is God’s blessing to be here!”
