Larry Milton Lee

Larry Milton Lee, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 27, 1938 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Harry Milton Lee and Katherine Jane Shaffer Lee, and was married to Janice “Jan” Beck Whiteley Lee of the home.

Larry was a 1969 graduate of Elon College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. For over 53 years, Larry served as a general contractor and real estate agent, devoting his life to helping others find their dream homes. In 1978, he founded Lee and Company Real Estate, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the industry. His contributions were widely recognized; he served as the President of the MLS in 1983 and proudly earned the Realtor of the Year award in 1994. A dedicated educator, Larry taught the Code of Ethics and pre-licensing courses in Alamance, Guilford, and Brunswick Counties, always believing that transparency was key to building trust with clients. His hard work earned him in receiving the Carol Belton Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, a fitting acknowledgment of his exceptional service and steadfast commitment to his craft.

Larry was proud of his military service as a US Army Veteran, illustrating his devotion to serving others and his faith was an important aspect of his life, as he attended Shallowford Christian Church. However, it was his passion for life outside of work that truly defined him. An enthusiastic NASCAR fan, he found joy in attending races with his friends. Larry liked driving nice cars himself and was always known for his sharp dress attire. He also enjoyed playing tennis, traveling to new destinations, and most importantly, spending quality time with his beloved family.

Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janice "Jan" Beck Whiteley Lee, with whom he shared 19 wonderful years of marriage and together they created a nurturing home filled with kindness and laughter. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his son, Greg Lee and his step-son, Charley Whiteley and his wife Taylor. As a grandfather, he adored his grandchildren, Carter Whiteley, Tyler Lee and his wife Ina, Hagen Lee and his wife Sara, Dillon Lee and his wife Krista, and Addison Lee and his wife Ana; and a proud great-grandfather to Isabella, Marcela, Zane, and Alaethea Lee; his sisters, Sandra Wilkins, and Michal Ivey and her husband Wayne; and several nephews and a niece. He cherished his friendships and treasured the time he spent with his breakfast buddies. Larry has now been reunited with his parents, his beloved niece, Kelly Ivey and his brother-in-law, John Wilkins.

Larry Milton Lee's heartwarming personality, unwavering dedication, and genuine kindness touched all who knew him. He not only built homes but also forged lifelong relationships, always managing to sprinkle humor and warmth into every interaction. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all those he loved so dearly.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nursing staff at Moses Cone Hospital, and especially to nurse, Kelley for all of her loving care and compassion that she showed to Larry during his illness.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Larry will be held at 2:00pm Friday, January 30, 2026 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Steve Regan. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday from 12pm to 1:45pm at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

There will be a graveside service for Larry at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida with military honors where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shallowford Christian Church, 1263 Shallow Ford Church Road, Elon, NC 27244. You may watch the service and send condolences to the family online at www.lowefuneralhome.com