Rev. Otis Marvin Lee, Sr. age 93, died Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at his home with his wife of 71 years, Frances Davis Lee, by his side.

Born April 22, 1927, in Columbia, SC, he was listed as 94 years old, but that was an error made by the midwife who took her records to Columbia to file them only a few times a year. He was one of 16 brothers and sisters born to the late John Henry Lee and Lillie Magnolia Martin. He was a direct descendant of the famed Lee family of Virginia, who immigrated to this country in 1642.

A minister in the community for 57 years, Rev. Lee preached the beautiful news of the Gospel through his words and his actions. He served at Oak Grove Baptist, Eastover, SC; Frost Avenue Church of God, Columbia, SC; Oakland Avenue Church of God, Columbia, SC; Midway Methodist Church, Columbia, SC; Good Hope Baptist Church, Eastover, SC, and Three Oaks Tabernacle, Lugoff, SC. He worked to make sure people were fed and clothed, often emptying his own wallet to do so.

Rev. Lee was a collector of things and a builder. Many church buildings were built or remodeled based on his donations of materials, time, and talents. He could take a worthless vehicle, and using his talents of machinery, welding, and ingenuity, turn that vehicle into something valuable. This unique perspective of the worth of people also applied to the many he ministered to over the years. He especially had a heart for children.

Affectionately known as "Papa", his family was most important to him. Papa prayed for each family member in the field behind his house every night. We were all privileged to hear those prayers at some point in our lives, and it taught us all that God listens and cares about us and this example taught us how to pray. He loved to tell and hear a good story, and his joyful laugh would permeate many conversations.

Rev. Lee authored two books about life in Northeast Columbia during his lifetime, Thoughts of Yesteryear and Rewarding Faithfulness.

Survivors include his wife; children, Jackie Brazell (Cecil) of Columbia, Otis Marvin "Jerry" Lee, Jr. (Gail) and David "Joey" Lee (Jan) all of Lugoff, SC. His "grandbabies" were a source of great joy to him and they are Sherry B. Shoars (Peter), Tina B. Shealy (Marty), Dr. Linda L. Branham (Chris), SFC Otis Marvin Lee, III (Mallory), Willis Lee (Amanda), and Tyler Hedgepath; 16 great–grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1 o'clock, Sunday, August 29, 2021, at Midway Independent Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. John O'Cain officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel is assisting the family. All are welcomed to attend, however, masks are strongly encouraged as well as social distancing practices to ensure the safety of all in attendance. A livestream of Rev. Lee's service may also be viewed by visiting his tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com.