Richard A. Lee

Boonville- Richard A. "Dick" Lee, 84, of Charles St., husband of Gladys, and a longtime owner of Lee Pontiac, Buick and GMC Dealership of Boonville, passed away while surrounded by his loving wife and family on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital, New Hartford. Dick was born in Lowville, on April 27, 1932, a son of Augustus "Gus" and Alice Mealus Lee. He grew up in Glenfield, where he received his education at General Martin High School. Thereafter he was employed as a log truck driver for Red Walker of Glenfield, before serving his country in the US Army in the Korean Conflict, stationed in Japan and in Korea. On March 22, 1951, Dick was united in marriage with Gladys E. Millard at Turin Methodist Church. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Lee went into the auto dealership business with his father, Gus, who had previously purchased a Pontiac Dealership from Earl Higby, of Boonville. Later Gus and Dick purchased the Buick Dealership from Claude and Ethel Gleasman of Boonville. In the early 1960's they combined the two dealerships forming Lee Pontiac, Buick & GMC Truck Inc., located on Erwin Parkway in Boonville. Later Dick operated the auto and truck dealership with his five sons, continuing to work at the garage and auto dealership until the present time. Aside from his wife, Gladys and his family, Dick's great love in his life was operating his auto dealership and garage and the host of friends which he made over the years at his garage. Dick had a keen lifetime interest in farming; for many years he operated a farm on Potato Hill Road, where he raised heifers. Mr. Lee was a member of Boonville United Methodist Church, a life member of the Boonville Elks Lodge # 2158 and a member of New York State Auto Dealers Association. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of White Otter Fish & Game Club, Woodgate and the Boonville Rod and Gun Club. In addition to his wife, Gladys, Dick is survived by five sons and daughters in law; Rick and Lori Lee, Boonville, and their family, Rieanna Lee, Mandi (Jason) Croniser, Randy (Renee) Lee, White Lake, and their family, Shannon Lee and Shawna Lee, Michael (Denise) Lee, Boonville, and their family, Brooklynn, Mikala and Mikey, Robert (Wendy) Lee, Boonville, and their family, Kristin (Matt) Johnson, Megan and Justine, Rodney (Jill) Lee, Boonville, and their family, Tucker, Owen and Jett and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Paul Lee, in 1999. His Funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Boonville United Methodist Church, Main St. Boonville, where Pastor Denise Bowen, will officiate. Interment will be in Boonville Cemetery, where members of Charles J. Love Post # 406, American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW, and Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville, will conduct Military Rites. Calling hours are Tuesday 12 - 3 and 6-9 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society, 7155 Oakridge Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 or by going to their web site at www.chromosome18.org. This charity was selected in honor of his grandson, Richard Owen Lee. Contributions may also be made to the Boonville Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box #164, Boonville, New York 13309.