Smithfield Mourns Passing Of Council Member Marlon Lee
SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Town Councilman Marlon Lee died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon.
Mr. Lee was elected to the town council in December 2013. He passionately represented District 1, covering the East Smithfield community.
Mr. Lee was active in athletics at Clayton High School where served as head coach of the varsity women’s basketball team and former assistant athletic director.
Lee was named the girls coach for the 2023 Carolinas Basketball Classic. In 2015, he was the Assistant Coach for the N.C. East-West Girls All Star Game.
He graduated in 1999 from St. Augustine’s College.
Councilman Lee enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas where he provided food and gifts to underprivileged children and needy families in the area.
Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore released the following statement Sunday night:
It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of Councilman Marlon Lee, a dedicated public servant and esteemed member of our Smithfield community.
Councilman Lee’s unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of our town, especially District 1, has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Councilman Lee’s passion for public service was evident in every endeavor he undertook. His advocacy for community engagement and his steadfast dedication to representing the voices of his constituents have set a standard for all public officials.
On behalf of the Town Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Councilman Lee’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to uphold the values he so passionately championed.
In honor of Councilman Lee’s service and contributions, flags at town facilities will be lowered to half-staff. Further details regarding memorial services will be shared with the community as they become available.
I’m still in shock, as I’m sure many of you are, but may we all find comfort in the memories we shared with Councilman Lee and in the knowledge that his impact on Smithfield will endure for generations to come.
Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy released the following statement:
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Mr. Marlon Lee. Mr. Lee was more than a prolific educator, coach, councilman, and mentor—he was a pillar of strength and a heroic figure to countless student-athletes across our district. He was a dear friend.
His passion for both education and athletics was unmatched, leaving a mark not only on the history books of Johnston County Public Schools and the state of North Carolina, but more importantly, on the lives of those he so selflessly served for many years. Mr. Lee’s legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and integrity, inspiring greatness in others as he lived the life before them daily.
Johnston County Public Schools, Clayton High, and the students, staff, and families thereof will certainly miss Mr. Lee. We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Mr. Lee’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”
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24 Comments
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Whoa. This is shocking and sad. I didn’t know him unfortunately but knew he was an upstanding person. He did a lot of good whether through the school system or town council. Rip Marlon. I know there’s a lot of people hurting right now.
HE DEFINITELY WAS THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE IN HIS NEIGHBORHOOD……R.I.P. …MY FRIEND
Condolences to the family. May I ask what caused his passing?
No you may not. It’s not your business.
No reason to be rude. He was too young to go. Naturally, people are going to wonder.
Do you have a last Name?
Marlon was a bright spirit—kind, driven, and always ready with a warm smile. His presence brought comfort and energy to those around him, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Marlon. You will be missed more than words can say.
No matter who you were what you looked like or acted like Marlon Lee was there for you he guided many to a better life and always shared his sports knowledge to all as well rest in peace Marlon a real cham;ion of life thank you for you
Marlon Lee was my friend and my youngest brother, and my dear brother, Will’s friend, Marlon Lee was a groomsman in Will’s wedding, and I was a bridesmaid. In the scripture of Matthew in the Bible, it says God had a plan for Jesus Christ, and so it is, I said I loved him the last time I saw Marlon Lee going in to from outside the Town Council meeting in early May, and he said he loved me, too. And, I am glad I said it while I had the chance, and so did he, he was a friend of my dear Brother since they were young boys, and our hearts are hurting right now. I will be in the Juneteenth parade for as long as I am alive as I told Marlon Lee last year at the Juneteeth, and he said it took and takes everybody to help us get out of this mess. I am thankful he saw his daughter graduate high school this year, and will try to think of the positive in this tragedy.
To the family my condolences, Marlon was a remarkable person, passionate about life , rest easy brother, rest easy safe in our father arms.
To Aunt Betty Lee and family, my deepest sympathy are with you, Marlon was such a special young man, chasing his dreams, Marlon was very passionate about his family, community and friends. Marlon will truly be missed. There can never be another Marlon Lee. Rest easy my brother, my friend 🙏🏿 💔
My deepest condolences to Marlon’s family for their loss and the community’s loss. He was definitely an inspiration for a lot of people. Myself and some of my church buddies had a very nice conversation with him on Friday morning on May 16th not knowing of course this would be our last time to share time with him. I’m thankful for that opportunity.
Marlon brother you’re gonna greatly be missed. I remember all the walks that we took through the neighborhoods and the countless knowledge you taught me ! You were always there anytime I needed you and anytime your community or anyone needed you ! We will keep your vision goin brother. Thank for the fight you put in everyday to help everyone !!!! RIP Big Brother (Marlon Lee)
Marlon was my 1997 CIAA championship brother, MY St. Aug Hall of Fame brother. My brother for over 30 plus years. On behalf of the St. Augustine’s College basketball team. We send our condolences to his family. We will always love you my brother. #69
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Marlon, and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
I met Marlon in 2007 when he was the Student Advocate at Clayton High. I was the Adolescent Parenting Program (APP) Social Worker, and we worked together to aid and support the pregnant and parenting mothers and fathers. He assisted me in building a rapport and facilitating discussion with teachers, other staff, parents, and community members. I had a great alley in Marlon in ensuring these young ladies and young men completed their high school education. His advocacy, boldness, and profound dedication in and out of the school setting will be greatly missed!
This is so shocking to me .condolences to my family .. We always had basketball in our Genetics.. Leadership and compassion for all Folk. Rest in peace.RIP. family
Why can’t we ask why he died it’s put out to the public on this site
Thanks Justsaying. Did you see what some shmuck named John put on my post above. I apologize to the family and friends for this post about John. When I asked how he passed I mean no disrespect, it’s just he was so young.
I did not know you personally but I knew of the work that you did . The work you did in the Johnston County Community speaks volumes of the Man that you are . Even in your absence your presence will always be remmbered by many . May you fly high and look down over the community that you help built as your Lord and Savior reward you for a Job Well Done . I send blessings to your Family and all of those that are mourning your life . Rest In Peace ,
Rest in power Mr . Marlon very bright Spirit good hearted man we’ll miss you very much 👑 the best coach I ever had
You guys know why you cant ask. Same reason you cant ask why there was sudden surge in student athletes dying from heart attacks in 2022. War is peace. Lies are truth.
Hipa only a plies to medical workers and insurance companies
My Condolences To The Lee Family..
How he passed is something the family wants to keep private so just respect that. All I know is my cousin has gone to see the Lord. He was an awesome person and he gave a da*n about people. That’s what people should know and remember…..lpoint blank