Frank Barnwell Lee

FLORENCE – Dr. Frank Barnwell Lee, Sr. passed away May 6, 2013.Born in Scranton, SC, son of David Lamar Lee and Daisy Manigault Barnwell Lee.He was married to the late Eddie McCravy Lee for 53 years and had three children, all residing in Florence:Dr. Frank Lee, Jr. (Margaret), Dr. Ed Lee (Toni), and Dr. Genie Lee.Dr. Lee was also the loving grandfather of Frank (Trip) B. Lee, III, Elizabeth Alcyone Lee, Edward Griffin Lee, Caroline McCravy Lee, Davis Barnwell Lee, Andrew Edward Rhea, Anna Lee Rhea, and the late William Robert Rhea. He was educated in the public schools of Scranton, SC and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science degree.He went on to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he was president of his class, and graduated in 1942 with a Medical Doctor degree.He then completed an internship in medicine at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, New Jersey, and performed his residency in general surgery at Garfield Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. for two years. During World War II, Dr. Lee served as captain in the U.S. Army 88th Division (Infantry) and was stationed in Northern Italy and France, where he occupied the position of Medical Officer.At the end of WWII, he was sent to South Korea with the 6th infantry of the U.S. Army. Dr. Lee moved to Florence, SC and opened his medical practice around 1948 with his late brother, Dr. Lamar Lee, Jr., and practiced medicine for over 50 years.During this time, he was the hospital administrator of Florence General Hospital.Many of these years he partnered with his nephew, Dr. C. Edward Floyd, in the practice of medicine and the development of the hospital.He went on to practice at Carolinas Hospital System. Dr. Lee was a proud co-founder of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, a non-profit organization, where he served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years.He also served on the Board of Visitors of MUSC and Winthrop University.As a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon.He also held a respected position in the Florence County Medical Society and was nominated as the delegate from Florence to the South Carolina Medical Association.He was awarded the Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Boy Scouts of the Pee Dee and the Order of the Palmetto. His family remembers his positive and humorous spirit, lifetime of service to his community, and kind and loyal nature.The family also wishes to thank everyone for their support in a time of loss.Suggestions for memorials include: Francis Marion University’s School of Nursing, First Presbyterian Church, and the Thornwell Children’s Home.A visitation will be held for Dr. Lee from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday May 7th at Francis Marion University in the Frank B. Lee Nursing Building.Honoring Dr. Lee’s request there will be a private graveside service. The family is being assisted by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. Please sign the guest registry at the obit section of www.stoudenmiredowling.com.