Mitchell Lee

Mitchell Gregory Lee, age 73, of Erie, PA passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, at UPMC Hamot Hospital after a lengthy illness.  He was born September 18, 1949, in Erie PA to Lucy Hunter and the late Elijah Lee. In 1968, Mitchell graduated from Academy High School. After graduation, he received a certificate in merchandising through the Erie School District. He would then enlist in the United States Navy. Initially stationed in Long Beach California, he was later stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

He served aboard the USS Tanner (AG-13) and the USS Platte (AO-24). Mitchell was awarded several medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary (Korea), National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with one bronze star, Korean Defense Service, Good Conduct, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Erie and was employed at General Electric Company as a Stock Keeper and a Fork Truck Operator for 30+ years. He was a member of the General Electric Quarter Century Club, the Labor Union #506 and the Retired Employee Association.  He retired from GE in 2009. 

Mitchell was a long-time member (28 years) of the Barney Smith American Legion Post # 700 and the VFW. Shooting pool, music, and watching old movies and the Pittsburgh Steelers were his greatest joys. He was always down for a good time. Mitch had a kind heart and a caring soul.  

On January 19, 2015, Mitchell received Christ as his Lord and savior and joined the New Generation Christian Ministries. He enjoyed reading the Bible, his favorite scripture was Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd”. 

In addition to his father, Mitchell is preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Ann Davis.

Survivors include his beloved mother, Lucy Hunter; his brothers Reverend James Lee, Douglas Lee, Thomas Lee, and Clark Hunter; sisters, Constance Ratcliff (Elder Tony Ratcliff) and Joann Sharper (Rodney Sharper); and his son, Nathan Villars.

Mitchell is further survived by his cousin, best friend, and caregiver with whom he lived with for 35 years, Evangelist Helen Stapp (Pastor James Stapp). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at UPMC Hamot Hospital ICU for their compassion and wonderful care for Mitchell.

Friends will be received at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10th St., on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. Service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/BurtonQuinnScott. Interment will follow at Erie Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com