Stephen "Lee" Dutton, 62, joined his parents, Shirley White Dutton, father Joyce Lee (Jay) Dutton, and stepfather Rayford Barnhill in heaven on February 4th, 2025. His legacy lives on with his sister, Susan Bise & her husband Tom; niece, Hannah Nevitt and her husband Griffin; two grand nieces, Veda & Nelly Nevitt; and three godchildren, Zachary Widener, Grayson Widener, Jones Kremlick, and all the cherished friends he called family.

Born on October 13th, 1962 in Gaffney, SC, Lee planted his roots in Columbia, SC where he graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1984 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and earned his Master of Public Administration Degree in 1986.

Lee served the State of South Carolina proudly for 38 years until his retirement in January 2025 as the Chief of Staff of the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.

His outstanding professional career just scratches the surface of the impact he made in his community. As a committed Board Member of the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization, Lee was passionate about judging, fundraising, promoting its mission, and lifting the spirits of the delegates.

His unwavering devotion to the University of South Carolina and Gamecock Nation was more than just his efforts as board member of the Richland/Lexington Carolina Alumni Association and long time membership in the Gamecock Club. He made it a point to never miss a game and was everyone's biggest cheerleader, both in & outside the stadiums, and we will always remember his signature cheer: Go, Fight, Win!

Known for his huge personality, heart of gold, dapperness, and life-of-the-party charm, his memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved the most.

Lee made it a point to make every moment a celebration and we will keep his tradition alive with a memorial service at 3pm Sunday, March 23rd at Washington Street United Methodist Church, Christ Chapel, 1401 Washington St, Columbia, SC. A reception to follow at Tombo Grill, 4517 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206, starting at 4:30pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the MUSC Department of Surgery Living Donor Institute and/or the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization.

Forever to thee! Go Cocks!

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.