Mr. Gilbert Wilson Lee, Sr., of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away March 30, 2023 at the Fernandina Beach Rehab and Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was born October 16, 1936 in Bacon County, Georgia to Thurmon Wallace Lee and Rilla Sue Andrews Lee. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sons, Gilbert "Gil " Lee, Jr and Robert Knight and two brothers, Daniel Lee and twin brother Hubert Lee.

Mr. Lee graduated from South Georgia College in 1956 with his Associate Degree; in 1960 graduated from University of Georgia with his Bachelor of Business Administration and then the University of North Florida with his Master of Business. He obtained his CPA License in 1988. He worked with ITT Rayonier for 25 years and 15 years with Stone Container where he retired in 1996.

He loved to travel having visited England, Spain, Hong Kong, Thailand, Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Belgium, Amsterdam, France, Italy and many other places of interest, and various USA locations.

He loved his family, life and his church. He was a nature enthusiast –after losing some eyesight he started hunting via camera by filming the wildlife.

Member of Jaycees, Terpsichorean Club, Sweet Art Squares Square dancing Group. Very involved in local politics throughout the years and served as Treasurer of Nassau County Democratic Executive Committee for 20 years.

He was an avid Georgia athletics, fan all GA basketball and football. His claim to fame was playing basketball for Coach Bobby Bowden at South Georgia College in 1955-1956 and remained an avid fan and member of Coach Bowden's fan club.

Enjoyed hunting with the men, water skiing and boating.

He was a member of the First Baptist of Fernandina Beach, Florida having served in the past as Sunday School Director and associate Sunday School Teacher;

Survivors include his wife, Judy Worth Lee of 38 years of Fernandina Beach, FL.; two daughters, Mary Rebecca Aurand of Rockledge, FL and Elizabeth Lexanne Miller of Sebastian, FL; six grandchildren, Jordan & Alexia Miller, Christopher & Jacob Aurand, Christopher Lee and Jacob Knight; five great-grandchildren, Felicity, Mark, Jace and Kye Lee and Evan Aurand; three sisters, Velera Christine Kerckel of Gainesville, FL, Frances Merlene Lee and Janice Alynda Tyre of Alma and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Cox, Rev. T. F. Yawn and Rev. Joey Andrews. Interment will follow in Old Pine Grove Church Cemetery. The family will receiving friends at the funeral home Thursday from 10:00 AM until funeral time.

Grandsons and nephews will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bacon County High School Class of 1955, Cecil Brewton Sunday School Class, Church family of Old Pine Grove Church, McDonald's of Fernandina Coffee Club.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Crosby Funeral Home and Oxley-Heard will be in charge of arrangements.