Charles Merritt Lee

Charles Merritt Lee, 59, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 22, 2023, in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia, 31907. A private graveside service will be held for family at Parkhill Cemetery.

Charles was born August 3, 1963, in Columbus, Georgia, to Harry Owen Lee, Sr., and Frances Merritt Lee. He joined the Columbus Police Department in 1984, and retired as a Sergeant in 2017 after nearly 33 years of service to his community. Throughout his career with the CPD, Charles served in multiple divisions, including burglary and theft, Special Weapons and Tactics, homicide, and the 911 call center. An alumnus of Columbus State University from the Class of 1995, Charles would return to his alma mater many times as both a trainee and an educator in Continuing Education and the Command College, respectively. He was recognized for his outstanding service with two Life Saving Awards and a Meritorious Service Award for his contributions to the department’s Re-Accreditation process. He was a source of compassion, light, and protection to innumerable Columbus citizens.

After his retirement, Charles accepted an opportunity to substitute teach a Law Enforcement and Public Safety course at Harris County High School from 2021-2022. He taught and impacted the lives of students from grades 9-12.

Charles was passionate about maritime and military history, fishing, and UGA football (woof!). Many of his happiest moments were spent over a plate of barbecue with friends and colleagues whom he loved like family.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Schley and her husband, Francis Brooking Schley IV; brother, H. Owen Lee, Jr.; Ashley’s mother, Beth Pierce Johnson, who remained a dear friend; and beloved cat Hannibal. His life will be celebrated as those closest to him know he is now reunited with loving parents, and each and every treasured four-legged family member he loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org