Robert Edward Lee

Dr. Robert Lee, 85, of Newnan died Monday, April 23, 2012, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital. He was born February 2, 1927, in Butler County, AL to the late Jasper Hubert Lee & Beulah Baldwin Lee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Ethel Stringfellow, Stella Waters, Inez Davis, Lela Bolling, Clarence Lee, and George Lee. Dr. Lee enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served two years. After being discharged, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952 from Troy State Teachers College and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in 1955. He later attended Colorado State College earning a Doctor of Education in 1968. Dr. Lee began his long and illustrious career in education as a teacher and basketball coach at Hacoda Jr. High in Hacoda, AL. Within a short time, he became principal. To meet the financial needs of a growing family, he later moved to Geneva County to become principal of Coffee Springs High School. His next move was to Bayou la Batre, AL as principal of Alba High School. In 1962, Dr. Lee moved to Austell, GA to become principal of South Cobb High School. A few years later, he was promoted to Director of Curriculum of the Cobb County Schools. In 1969, he moved to Newnan, GA and became Superintendent of the Coweta County School System where he worked until he retired in 1989. Some of the highlights of his career include the combining of the Newnan city schools with the county school system, the integration of the schools, the implementation of a junior high school program, the inclusion of women in administrative positions, and the expansion of special education services. His fervent desire was to be remembered as someone who cared about students, cared about teachers, and cared about the community. The funeral is Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Newnan First United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Parrish & Dr. Med Roach officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The visitation is Friday evening between 6:00-8:00 PM at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St, Newnan, GA. Rather than flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Newnan First United Methodist Church, 33 Greenville St, Newnan, GA 30263. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com Survivors include wife Ruth Rakes Lee; sons, Gregory Robert Lee of Newnan and David Rakes Lee of Sharpsburg; sister, Hedy Vidano of Ramona, CA; two grandchildren, Amanda Ostrosky and Christopher Lee of Dawsonville, GA; nieces and nephews. McKoon Funeral Home (770)253-4580

Robert Edward Lee

February 2, 1927 - April 23, 2012