Ralph Lee Obituary

Ralph Lee SUMTER, SC - Ralph Edwin Lee, 104, beloved husband for 65 years of the late Virginia Reynolds Hodges Lee, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 26, 2025. During a life spanning over a century, he was a steady presence, reminding everyone of what truly matters - faith, family, love, integrity and listening. In keeping with his warm sense of humor and positive outlook on life, he had a remarkable ability to come up with the perfect song or poem, including all the verses, for every occasion and a story to match. Born August 4, 1920, in Asheville, North Carolina, he was the youngest of three sons of the late Ralph Edwin Lee, Sr. and Mabel Robinson Lee. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1940 with a B.S. in Accounting, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy Supply Corps during World War II. After four years of service, he was discharged as a full lieutenant. In preparation for the CPA Exam, he attended Northwestern University as a graduate student in accounting. In 1947, he distinguished himself by winning the Elijah Watt Sells Medal of the American Institute of Accountants for receiving the highest mark on the CPA Exam on a nation-wide basis. He also was awarded the Gold Medal of the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants for receiving the highest grades on the Illinois CPA Exam. To win both medals was considered an unusual and significant accomplishment. In 1947, he joined the international, public accounting firm of Arthur Andersen & Co. in the Chicago office. During his 36 years with the Firm, he rose to the top of his profession. He was the managing partner of the Philadelphia office from 1966 to 1972. A special two year assignment followed in the Milan, Italy office and perhaps, was one of the highlights of his career. Upon returning from Italy, he was assigned to the St. Louis office, where he was the senior audit partner until his retirement in 1983. His fellow partners have spoken of the high standards he set and how they had benefited greatly from their association with him?noting especially his keen sense of humor, deep interest in the careers of the younger accountants and his devotion to the Firm. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Virginia, returned to her hometown of Sumter, SC. Throughout his life, he remained intellectually active, spiritually grounded, and deeply engaged with his community. He was a member of Church of the Holy Comforter Anglican for over 40 years, was a Trustee of the Diocese of South Carolina, and hosted a men's Bible Study in his home into his 100's. He served as president and treasurer of the Sumter County Historical Society; vice chairman of the Sumter County Museum; and treasurer of the Sumter County Museum Foundation. One of his fondest activities was membership in the Fortnightly Club, where he delivered outstanding talks on a wide variety of subjects until he was 97. Outside of church and community work, he loved hiking in the mountains, riding the waves at Pawleys Island and Edisto Island, surf fishing and golf, which he enjoyed into his late 80's. Surviving are two daughters, Elizabeth Lee Lanz (John) of Summerville, SC and Maria Lee Pollak of Stuart, FL; two grandchildren, Benjamin Deland Pollak of Knoxville, TN and Leah Pollak Galdo (Nils) of Santiago, Chile; two great-granddaughters, Philippa Elizabeth Galdo and Nicola Marie Galdo of Santiago, Chile. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, in 2014, a son-in-law, Abraham Pollak and two brothers, Charles E. Lee and Cameron Waddell Lee. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg, SC, where Mr. and Mrs. Lee were married in 1948. The Rev. Michael Ridgill, the Rev. David Booman, and the Rev. John Sosnowski will officiate. Burial will be in the church graveyard immediately following. The family will receive friends at a reception in the church Parish Hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Church of the Holy Cross, 335 N. Kings Highway, Sumter, SC 29150, to Church of the Holy Comforter Anglican, 213 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to Sumter United Ministries, P.O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.