Reverend David W. Lee, age 81

Reverend David W. Lee, age 81, of Rutherfordton, passed away with his loving wife Sibyl by his side on Thursday, April 18, 2019.

David was born on September 18, 1937 in Kearny, Nebraska to the late Reverend Samuel Lee and the late Byrdine Wilcox Lee. He graduated from Hastings High School and attended Hastings College and Duke University.

David married his soulmate, Sibyl Ensley McDaniel in 1983 and together; they served many churches in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. David served congregations in McDowell, Rutherford, Guilford and Mitchell County. David's ministry spanned over 40 years and yielded several innovative ministries. He established a Hispanic church in Mitchell County over 20 years ago, specifically for migrant workers. In addition, he founded the Community Food Pantry in Mitchell County that served the rural areas of the county for many years. David was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Forest City Masonic Lodge. David was preceded in death by one son, Steve Lee.

He is survived by his wife: Sibyl McDaniel Lee. Three Daughters: Deborah Lee Lybarger and her husband Jeff of San Diego, CA. Julia Lee Jackson, of San Diego, CA. Carolyn Lee Carter and her husband Gary of Grand Island, NE. Two Stepsons: Bill McDaniel and his wife Marcia of Forest City, Benjamin McDaniel and his wife Anna of Boiling Springs, NC. Eight Grandchildren.

The memorial service was held at Spindale United Methodist Church. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.

McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.