Thomas Minter Lee Sr., known to most as “Tommy Lee” or “Chief Lee,” was born October 28, 1941, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the only child of the late James Edward Lee and Margaret Minter Lee. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Virginia and worked at Globe Iron Shipyard and Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock.
In 1972, Chief Lee and his family moved to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where he worked as an electrician. He enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, softshell crabbing, fish netting, and pig pickings in the old neighborhood. He joined the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department in March 1973 when it was an all-volunteer department.
In 1984, he started L&L Drywall with his son, Tom Jr. After retiring in 2014, he enjoyed working around the house on different projects, spending time with his grandchildren, and serving his community through the fire department. He was one of the founding members of Outer Banks Baptist Church, where he remained active. During the 70s, he served as Scoutmaster for Troop 161 in Kitty Hawk. He was a welcome sight at the “Table of Wisdom,” where he could be found just about every morning enjoying his cup, or cups, of firehouse coffee.
Chief Lee proudly and heroically served the citizens and visitors of Kill Devil Hills as a volunteer firefighter for just a few days shy of 52 years! He was a great mentor for the new firefighters and never tired of passing on his wisdom to others. He considered all members of the department his family. He performed just about every job there was to do around the fire station at one time or another.
He received many awards and commendations during his firefighting career. Shortly before his death, he received the Certificate of Appreciation from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2022, he was Firefighter of the Year, and he received the Most Calls (Volunteer) Award in 2021 and 2022. He was also awarded the Mayor’s Achievement Award for 50 years of dedicated service.
If you asked Chief Lee what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he would proudly reply, “My family.” Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brenda Lee; daughter, Sheri Henley (David); son, Tom Lee Jr. (Sandra); daughter, Jo Ellen Kiourtzidis (Vasilious); eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, along with the many friends he met throughout his lifetime.
The members of the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department thank Chief Lee for his heroism, bravery, and service. We also thank his family for sharing him with us all these years.
Rest in Peace, Chief Lee; we will take it from here.
