John Lee

John Fred Lee

Beloved Father, brother, friend, and community member

July 18, 1940 – June 25, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Fred Lee, who departed this life on June 25, 2025. He passed away peacefully in his home with his daughter, Kayla, by his side at 84 years old.

John was born on July 18, 1940 in Malad, ID. He was the son of Ray Lee and Alice (Christensen) Kipper. He was a boy of mischief and a man of strong will. He saw the words, “you can’t” as a challenge and often set on a mission to prove them all wrong. He was independent, full of motivation, and thrived under pressure. A trait certainly shared by the members of the Lee family.

He served his country in the Army, Air Force, and Air National Guard. He fell in love with Apalachicola as a young man when stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base. He served his community in numerous ways during his time in Apalachicola. He was the editor of the Apalachicola Times for several years. After his time with the local paper, he opened Retsyo, Inc with a retail shop filled with local seafood label t-shirts, tupelo honey, and endless stories about all his treasures on display. He was a top-notch salesman and master storyteller. He was an avid collector and never short on “stuff”. He was ready and eager to talk to anyone who would listen about the history of this town and any other topics of interest.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later determined date. In lieu of a funeral and flowers, he wished for donations to be made in his memory to organizations dedicated to the betterment of the Apalachicola community and for support for those battling cancer and their families. Spread the good and support one another!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Lee, Alice Kipper, June (Lee) Hamming and John Kipper; siblings LaDeanne Kowalski, Lola Lee, John (Kip) Kipper, and LaRaela Lee. He is survived by his daughters LaRaela Lee-Coxwell, Kuryne Lee, Bryanne Rajamannar, and Kayla Watts; his 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild; his siblings Myrlene Matala, James (Jim) Lee, William (Bill) Kipper, and Patty McColloch, and numerous amazing nieces and nephews. Though he may be gone from our sight, John F. Lee, will forever live in the hearts and stories of those who knew him.