Michael Stuart Lee died June 10, 2021, peacefully, at home, with is family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer spanning over 13 years. He was 72.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Michael lived fully, and he is remembered for his grit, tenacity, and ability to walk into a room and never meet a stranger. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Taylor Lee, Sr. and Christine Manning Lee. Also, preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Sammie Taylor Lee for which they shared a mutual bond & special love and cousin Robert Newell Taft. Michael grew up on Edgewater and spent many days exploring and building forts with friends on the Oso.
Michael graduated from Richard King High School in 1966. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Texas in 1970. Michael worked as a substitute teacher to put himself through law school. Michael often recalled "living lean" during law school, but those memories also fueled Michael's strong desire to give back to the Coastal Bend. Michael earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio in 1973 and was licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1973.
Michael thrived off the practice of law for 47 years. Michael began his legal career in Dallas practicing criminal law and worked briefly for Dallas Legal Aid. Michael became a highly sought-after criminal attorney handling high profile cases.
Michael subsequently returned to Corpus Christi with his family to raise his sons and started his civil litigation career with Porter Rogers. Michael thrived in the litigation section and became a named partner at Porter Rogers Dahlman Gordon and Lee from 1981-1994. It was during this time Michael earned the nickname of "Mad Dog". Michael would go toe to toe with the toughest attorneys and would be the first to invite opposing counsel to the yacht club for a drink after battling in the courtroom.
Michael was always known to "march to the beat of his own drum" and left the firm to form The Lee Firm, P.C. Michael earned and held the high honor of a Martindale Hubbell AV rated attorney and was board-certified by the Texas Board of Specialization in personal injury law.
Michael was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Michael enjoyed working on complex and academic cases. Michael was often hired for his creativity and because of the manner in which he could think outside the box.
Michael mentored many young attorneys and advised young attorneys to "out fox the fox" and to remember there is "a time to bark and a time to purr".
Michael's spontaneous personality provided a blind date opportunity in 2007 when he met Susi e. Throughout the years, Michael proposed marriage and Susie finally said yes on February 20, 2015. Little did the couple know that Michael would be diagnosed with cancer a year and a half later in January 2008. The couple embraced the diagnosis and even cancer could not dampen the dynamic duo.
Michael never let a day pass without re marking how blessed he was and seeing his children get married and grandchildren born. He loved his two sons, Justin and Lucas, above everything else and cherished his role as a father. As a result of his devoted love for his family when it became known that his time on this earth was limited, he said it was a "no brainer " to close his law office and focus his attention on his family.
Michael was deeply spiritual and was a member of The Church of the Good Shepard prior to converting to Catholicism, a faith he shared with Susie.
Michael loved life and life loved him. Drama consumed him when he was born and seemed to follow him anywhere he went. His passion for travel, golf, modern art, fine dining and the routing for the Texas Longhorns led him on many grand adventures with his wife and boys. Michael loved a good aged Scotch, great wine and the countless competitive hands of Gin Rummy he and Susie shared almost nightly.
Michael is survived by his wife, C. Susan Lee; sons Justin Michael Lee (Ashlee), Bennett and Webster of Corpus Christi, Lucas DeArman Lee (Lauren) child Luke of Austin; Susie's children Stephen Antony Stryk (Carla) child Sydney of Corpus Christi and Laura Marie Hurter (Nick) child Avery of San Antonio.
Michael is also survived by his brothers, Dr. William Taylor Lee, Jr of New Braunfels and The VEN. Donald DeArman Lee (Karen) of Bandera; Cousin Donald M. Taft (Susan) of Corpus Christi and their children, Amy Koch(Kenny), Josh and Christian (Tomiko), Andrew and Edward(Megan)and Susan Barham (her daughter Beth) of Camanche. Along with many beloved nieces and nephews: Taylor Lee, Patrick Lee, Dr. Michael Lee (Bess) Monte Lee (Jennifer), Miles (Brooke), Megan Jackson (Chip).
Michael's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Corpus Christi Cathedral with Father Pete Elizardo presiding at the Mass. It is the request of the family, a private burial will be held at Seaside Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to MD Anderson Hospital, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, 1220 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1274, Houston, TX 77030
It is with upmost appreciation and thank you to Dr. Christopher Logothetis for his dedication and passion to his work and to the care given each and everyone of his patients. It is with the highest regard of gratitude the family sends our heartfelt "thank you" for his care, kindness shown for Michael and the extended time Michael was blessed to live as the direct result of Dr. Logothetis commitment along with ' Claudette Mendoza, RN, NP-C and Ashley Guardado, APRN.
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