Member Profile: Dick Lee

Have you recognized a very tall gentleman who sits on the east side in the pew with extra leg room? Meet Dick Lee. He has attended Washington Avenue Christian Church for several years and is one of our newest members.

Dick was born in Tennessee and moved with his family to Grafton when he was 9 years old. He graduated from Midview High School, where he met his future wife, Linda Lyndes. Dick obtained a degree in science education from The Ohio State University and did three years of post-graduate work there. Dick and Linda married during his graduate studies. Linda, who earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in teaching, worked alongside children who had differing developmental needs.

When the Lees returned to this area, they welcomed a daughter, Lissa, and a son, Wade. Dick and Linda both had long teaching careers. He taught various science courses at Elyria High School, and Linda opened a preschool at a church in the Midview area. Dick is immensely proud of his late wife’s 47-year legacy with what’s now known as the Grafton Community Preschool, which recently relocated to North Eaton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Camping was a big part of the family’s leisure activities. Dick and Linda hiked most of the 900 miles of trails in the Smoky Mountains, and Dick backpacked on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, ending only 200 miles short of the whole trail. In addition to the Smokies, they camped throughout the USA, visiting all 50 states.

Now retired, Dick plays golf and participates in Love, Inc., an organization that connects people with specific needs to volunteers and professionals and the Christian community. Recently, Dick has kept busy helping his elder brother, Wayne, move from a pre-Civil War house with a two-car garage and pole barn to a two-room, assisted-living apartment.

Dick came to WACC because he heard there were good Bible studies here. He says that he felt welcomed as soon as he walked through the door. Since attending WACC, Dick has participated in the Campbellites

class, led by Mark Mathes; Bible, Burger, and Beer at the Foundry, and now joins in Two or More, led by Lauri Warfield. Did we mention he also serves on the Property Committee?

Thanks be to God for Dick Lee and that we create an even more beloved community with him.