John grew up in Dallas and united with the Salem Institutional Baptist Church at a very early age, along with his loving mother, Mrs. Libbie Peace.  He attended Dallas Public Schools and graduated his beloved Booker T. Washington High School at the age of 16.  And was a member of Washington and Lincoln Alumni Association.

He was very studious and went on to attend and graduate Bishop College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  After graduation John joined the Air Force, where he served as a Dental Assistant.  During his four years in service, he earned the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.  At the completion of his service with the Armed Services, John did post graduate work at the University of Wisconsin.

John was a very humble man with deep thoughts.  A real word enthusiast who loved challenging those he met with his intelligence.  He was a Sunday School Teacher, Baptist Training Union Director, Member of the Sanctuary Choir, the Male Chorus, and Brotherhood.  Rev. L. Butler Nelson recognized his humility and Ordained him as a Deacon.

John and Ouida met working in Ministry together and were married in November of 1972.  Their three children, Regina, Libbie and John were thoroughly involved in the Children and Youth Ministries and sang in the Children's Choir.

Deacon Lee served as Sunday School Teacher to several youth who later became Pastors - Rev. Todd Atkins, Rev. James Foster, Jr.,  Rev. Dr. Michael W. Walker, Rev. Archie Greer, Rev. Herbert Taylor, Rev. Louis Levine, and Rev. Barry Levine.  He later spent time as teacher to the Adult Classes.  The Family has many precious memories of their husband and Father preparing the lessons that he would teach to his Sunday School Classes and lead in the Baptist Training Union.

Brother Lee had an excellent Baritone voice and he would enjoy singing the cantatas with the City Temple Church for their Christmas Celebrations and truly loved performing in the Messiah.  He had the opportunity of singing in several National Baptist Conventions when Dallas was the host city.  He loved Opera and was one of the first Blacks to attend the Opera in Dallas.

Preceding him in death was his Mother Mrs. Libbie Peace, and sister,  Mrs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ruby Louis Woods and son John C. Lee, III.  John leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Rev. Dr. Ouida Lee, daughters, Regina and children, Shanel (Jared) Robinson, and Genauld Pinson, Libbie, and children Lexion, Lacy, Laterius Barnes, Luke Barnes, and great granddaughter Harper L. Robinson.  Nephew, Clarence Clay (Mattie), Neices, Libbie (Vernon) Peace, Mary Banks, Charlene Wilson.  Other great nieces and nephews.  The members of his beloved Church Family, Salem Institutional Baptist Church.  A host of relatives and friends.  A dedicated Nurse, Deborah Sharp and committed friend, Phiebie Hutchins.