Obituaries

Major Clinton “Clint” Lee was born on August 22, 1942, to Ellis and Liddie Lee of Pike County, Mississippi. Clint graduated from Mississippi State University and was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He would later attend the University of Virginia for advanced studies, earning his Master’s degree in Engineering. Clint was hired by NASA before graduating from MSU and would spend his entire career working with the agency. His first project was the Viking Project, and his name appears on “micro fish” in three places on the planet Mars. His last project was the one he felt most important and made him proud. It was the Windshear Project. Clint took delivery of the first Boeing 737 in Seattle, Washington, which had tail number N515 and became his laboratory. The plane is now on display in the Age of Flight Museum in Seattle. His co-worker told his family that “Clint” was the brightest and most futuristic man in the room. If someone were having trouble connecting the dots, they would ask Clint for his perspective. He was dependable, dedicated, detailed, and smart.

Once he retired, he spent his time with ham radio, genealogy, and volunteering at the church school cafeteria every week. He loved being with the children, and they loved him. He played golf until he made a hole-in-one. He loved fishing and fixing things. He would supervise your project or supervise the supervisor if you had one.

Clint passed away quietly with his wife, Carolyn, by his side.

Clint is survived by his wife, Carolyn Harbert Lee, and a sister, Mary Sue Fisher, in Mauenele, Arkansas. He also leaves behind Jeffrey C. Lee of Poquoson, Virginia; grandchildren, Megan E. Worley (Justin) and Wyatt C. Lee of Newport News, Virginia; nieces and nephews, Earl Lee and Lynn Lee, Roy Lee (Leslie) Larry E. Lee (Cindy), Debra Benedict Beverly Leonard, Randal Triplett, Bobby Sherman (Kendall), Lori Watson (Darren), their children, Bethany, Brittney, Devon, Hunter Jesse and Travis; stepchildren, Mathew O. Harbert (Lorraine), Andrew D. Harbert (Rachel); grandchildren, Annie, Alex and Maddie.

Clint was preceded in death by his first loving wife, Kathryn L. Lee (Kaye), siblings, John, Dallas, Bobette, and Willis Dean.

The family will hold a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Newport News. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clint’s name to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 100 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Virginia 23601, or the American Lung Association (www.donate.lung.org), PO Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020-0756, or call 1-800-586-4872 to find a local office near you.