Lee

John Collins Lee III, aka John-John, was born on Jan. 26, 1958, in Meadville, to Ella Mae Warner Lee and John Collins Lee Jr. He passed away Friday, May 15, 2026.

Raised in Meadville, John developed a strong work ethic, deep family values and a lifelong commitment to building a meaningful legacy through determination and hard work.

A graduate of Meadville Area Senior High School, John went on to complete the Operators Engineering Apprenticeship Program, earning certification as an operating engineer specializing in heavy equipment. From an early age, John was fascinated by heavy machinery and often accompanied his father to work sites. He fondly recalled sitting on his father’s lap while riding a bulldozer — experiences that sparked both his passion for the equipment and his understanding of the business.

In 1977, John’s father founded JC Lee Construction and Supply, a company rooted in integrity, perseverance and pride in quality workmanship. As a young man, John aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps. He mastered operating the bulldozer and gained knowledge of every aspect of the company. His father served as president and his mother as treasurer until his father’s passing in 1986. John then carried the family business forward with unwavering dedication and vision.

Under John’s leadership, the company became known for its expertise in drainage projects, particularly the installation of cross pipes and underdrains within the highway heavy construction industry. Through decades of hard work, leadership and integrity, John earned the admiration of colleagues, employees and the community. One of his greatest sources of pride was building a talented and trusted team.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was a man of faith. The National Association of Church of God held a special place in John Lee’s life. As a descendant of James Abraham Christman, one of the founders of the organization and the West Middlesex Campground, John carried on a strong family legacy of faith, service and dedication. John and his father spent countless days working side by side to help build and strengthen the campground community, contributing their time, hard work and commitment for generations to come.

John embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. He had a lifelong passion for dirt bikes and achieved numerous racing victories in his younger years. He also created a cherished family tradition, bringing loved ones together annually in Indianapolis for the HBCU Football Circle City Classic. An avid golfer, John found joy on the golf course, sharing unforgettable moments with family and friends while traveling to new places in pursuit of the sport he loved. His many interests also included riding his Harley motorcycle, snowmobiling, skiing, and collecting and admiring automobiles.

In February 2005, John married Barbara Brown in Los Angeles, Calif. With Barbara living in Los Angeles and John in Pennsylvania, he happily embraced a bicoastal life. Through this marriage, he became a devoted father to Jared and Jason and took immense pride in becoming “Grandpa Lee” to his beloved grandson, Elijah.

John will be remembered for his strength of character, warm heart, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, employees and community. His life reflected perseverance, faith, kindness, loyalty and quiet generosity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the work he accomplished and the strong foundation he helped build for future generations.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Ella Mae Lee; his wife, Barbara Lee; his sister, LaVerne Sommerville (Larry Sommerville); his brother, Richard Lee (Tracy Flennoy Lee); his sons, Jared Baker (Natalie Baker) and Jason Baker; his grandson, Elijah Baker; his nephews, LeVar Sommerville (Michelle Sommerville) and Loren Sommerville; his nieces, Alexandra Dominguez and Jennifer Waldron; his sister-in-law, Linda Brown-Hubbard (Charles Hubbard); and numerous cousins, extended family members, and his dedicated work family and friends.

John will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

With Love,

The family of John Collins Lee lll

LEE — To remember and celebrate the life of John Collins Lee III, who died Friday, May 15, 2026, visitation will be held from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, May 29, at Meadville Alliance Church, 660 N. Main St., Meadville, where a home going service will follow at noon.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.