David Scott Lee Sr.

David Scott Lee, Sr., age 74, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2020 at his home in Destin, Florida with Linda, his loving wife of nearly 50 years by his side. 

David, son of the late Gary Emerson Lee, Sr. and Helen Sullenger Lee, was born on November 4, 1945 in Louisville, Kentucky, while his mother was on a trip to see family.  They lived in Pensacola, Florida until they moved to Ft. Walton Beach in 1949 when Gary Lee, Sr. opened up the Lee Pontiac dealership. David grew up on Bay Drive attending Fort Walton Elementary School, W.C. Pryor Middle School and Choctawhatchee High School, where he graduated in 1963. He then went on to attend Florida State University, graduating in 1967 with a B.A. in Business.   After graduation, David joined the National Guard while simultaneously working at Lee Pontiac Oldsmobile GMC Jeep (now Lee Nissan FWB) where he made his career from 1967-2019.  In August 1970, he married Linda Carol Jones in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.  They lived on Linwood Road until 1985, when they moved to their current residence on Indian Trail in Destin.

David’s greatest love was time with his family.  Having spent many summers growing up playing with his brothers in the Choctawhatchee Bay, he loved to teach his children and grandchildren to love the water as well.   He spent many hours teaching his children and grandchildren to swim, jump off the diving board and drive his WaveRunner.  When not in a pool, bay or the Gulf, David spent his free time grilling on his Weber grill, dove hunting, deep sea fishing, and watching all sports, especially anything FSU. Through the years, he enjoyed trips with the family to Disney World, Doak Campbell Stadium to watch his Seminoles play and snow skiing in Colorado and Utah. In his later years, and until recently, he and Linda had been known to spend some weekends in Biloxi.  

David was dedicated to his friends and family, and anyone that knew him will tell you his word was gold.

David is survived by his wife, Linda Carol Lee; daughter, Heidi Lee Valveri and husband James; son, David Scott Lee, Jr. and wife Amanda. He was Granddaddy to Bryce James Valveri, Grant David Valveri, Cole Sullenger Valveri, Davidson James Lee, Naomi Helen Lee, and Elena Carolin Lee. He is also survived by his four brothers, Robert Emerson Lee and wife Nancy, James Lewis Lee, Gary Emerson Lee, Jr. and wife Connie, and John Mark Lee and wife Susan. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.