Michael Joe Lee Sr.

Michael Joe Lee Sr passed away peacefully in his home in Bishop, Georgia on November 7, 2026 after a two year battle with ALS. He was 70 years old, born in Poplarville, Mississippi and was the son of the late Edna (Troyer) Lee and Robert Franklin Lee Sr.

Mike married his wife, Colin, and together they built a life centered around family, farming, and a love for all living things. Their home and farm were always full of life, raising cattle, goats, chickens, and an assortment of other animals along the way. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, or animals, there was always room for one more and food to share. Their home was a place where all were welcome and all would be fed.

Mike grew up on a farm in Mississippi, where he developed a lifelong love and appreciation for agriculture, animals, and the land. He loved sharing stories of working the fields alongside his siblings and carried those childhood experiences with him throughout his life. He was known for maintaining an elaborate garden that provided food for his family year-round. More than just growing food, he passed down the knowledge and skills of caring for animals, working the land, and appreciating an honest day’s work to his children. He also made sure they learned to drive a truck and tractor as soon as their feet could reach the pedals.

Mike had a special love for Gelbvieh cattle and was a longtime member of the American Gelbvieh Association and the Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen’s Association. He shared his passion for agriculture with his daughters, keeping them busy showing cattle and horses through Oconee County 4-H and FFA. These experiences were more than extracurricular activities; they were opportunities to teach his children responsibility, dedication, and the value of hard work.

Mike adored his grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. Some of their sweetest memories were made during leisurely tractor and four-wheeler rides around the farm, fishing, and the many lessons he shared about farm life. He loved teaching them about the animals, the land, and the things he had spent a lifetime learning. He had a soft spot for his grandchildren, and if one of the babies cried, he was sure to be the first one there with open arms, ready to scoop them up and comfort them. Whether he was taking them for a ride, teaching them something new, or simply holding them close, time spent with his grandchildren was among his greatest joys.

Mike was the proud owner of Mike’s Drywall Inc. and was a skilled handyman who specialized in sheetrock installation from the 1980s through 2023. His work can still be seen throughout Oconee County and the surrounding areas in the many homes and buildings that bear his work. He was the kind of man who could fix just about anything with his own two hands. And if he couldn’t fix it, he would find a way to make it happen. His son carries this same talent, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Mike’s resourcefulness, determination, and willingness to work hard were qualities that defined him throughout his life.

Following Mike’s ALS diagnosis in 2024, Colin devoted herself to caring for him as his illness progressed. She was alongside him through the challenges of the disease, providing unwavering care with patience, grace, and all the love she had to give. Her dedication and devotion were a testament to the life and love they had built together.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Edna, his in-laws Harry James and Maxine (Vinson) James, siblings Suzie King, Marvin Lee, Leroy Lee. He is survived by his wife Colin Lee, children Michael Lee Jr, Chelsey Grayson (Dane), Shelby Lord (William), and Lexie Garcia (Noah), grandsons Gunnar and Sam Grayson and Micah Lord, granddaughters Elaina and Oaklee Lord and Laramie Grayson, siblings Robert Lee Jr (Sarah), David Lee (Joan), Jerry Lee (Kathy) , Johnny Lee (Lisa), Fannie Cromer (Bill), Evelyn Tootle and several nieces & nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held on November 22, 2026 at his home, 1650 Branch Road, Bishop, Georgia 30621 at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Mike’s grandchildren’s college fund in his memory. Contributions may be made by check, Zelle at (706) 286-4771, or Venmo at @Chelsey-Grayson.

The family sincerely appreciates your love and support.

Athens Cremation Services, Watkinsville, GA is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.athenscremationservices.com