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One hundred years ago in Rutherford County, J.R. Lee, a Rutherford County Officer, was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1923. His story is being shared again by one of his descendants, Scott Goforth of Forest City.
Goforth's grandmother, Ethel Hollifield, was married to Officer Lee when he was shot while he was on duty. At the time the couple had five children. Mrs. Lee would later marry Charlie A. Hollifield.
Scott Goforth took it upon himself to honor Officer Lee with the placement of a new cemetery memorial stone to further preserve the legacy of Officer Lee.
The first marker placed at the Rutherfordton City Cemetery "is 100 years old," said Goforth and needs to be repaired. He plans to repair the first marker in the next few weeks and return it to the grave.
Goforth shares the reflections of James Reuben Lee's death and the end of his watch on Aug. 26, 1923.
Lee was a 31-year-old rural police officer on duty that summer day, August 26. He was gunned down while attempting to arrest two men in Chimney Rock for drinking in public.
The account of his death says Lee observed the two men drinking whiskey on the rocks below the Esmeralda Pavilion and approached them to question them. When he asked them if they were armed, one of them took several steps back and opened fire on him with a .45 caliber handgun, wounding him. Officer Lee was transported to Rutherford Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early the next morning.
Both men fled the scene but were arrested later in the day. The subject who shot officer Lee was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to eight years of hard labor.
Lee had served as a rural police officer for Rutherford County for several years and was survived by his wife, five children, his father and siblings.
His siblings were Clyde Lee, Claude Lee, Bill Lee, Jennie Lee McBrayer and Paul Francis Lee.
Here are some of the past reflections of Officer Lee, shared by some who knew him well:
Rest in peace. Always know that your service and sacrifice will never ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren -- Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo.
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 91st anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son, Larry Lasater, was a fellow police officer, murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, Ca. officer. Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace -- Phyllis Lasater Loya
Officer Lee, sir it has been 87 years but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Rutherford County.
It sickens me to read that your murderer was only sentenced to 8 years hard labor.
RIP -- Unanimous.
