David Allen Lee, 82, was born November 8,1943 and passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, in Jasper, Georgia. He moved to Georgia in April 2021 with his beloved wife, Sandra, to be closer to family after facing several health challenges in recent years.
David was born with a natural talent for athletics and a lifelong love of sports. At Minden High School, he lettered in four sports—football, baseball, basketball, and track—earning All-State honors in football and baseball his senior year, and All-District recognition in basketball.
He continued his athletic career at Louisiana Tech University, earning letters for four years in football and three years in baseball. They even wanted him to play basketball, but his schedule would not allow it. During NFL offseasons, he returned to Louisiana Tech to complete his education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was named to the Louisiana Tech All-Century Team in 2001 and was later enshrined in the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
David enjoyed a distinguished 14-year career in the National Football League, beginning with the Cleveland Browns in 1965 and continuing with the Baltimore Colts from 1966 to 1978. He led the league as NFL Punting Champion in his rookie season in 1966 and again in 1969, earning All-Pro honors. He was a member of two Super Bowl teams, including the 1971 champion Baltimore Colts who defeated the Dallas Cowboys, and the 1968 team that faced the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. His career placed him in the middle of unforgettable NFL history, including iconic moments such as Super Bowl III, Super Bowl V, and the legendary “Ghost to the Post” game. As his family would say with a smile, “He lived the sports dreams that most men dream of.”
In 1977, he was selected to the Baltimore Colts Silver Anniversary Team as the top vote-getter. Throughout his career, he played alongside some of the game’s greats, including Johnny Unitas, John Mackey, Bubba Smith, Mike Curtis, and later Bert Jones and Roger Carr. During his NFL career, he also worked in public relations for Commercial National Bank during the offseasons. He retired from professional football in June 1979.
Following his football career, David dedicated himself to a successful second career with General Motors, where he worked as a supervisor from 1979 until his retirement in July 1997.
In addition to his professional and athletic accomplishments, David was deeply committed to his faith in Jesus and community. He faithfully served as a Trustee for the Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary in Minden, Louisiana, and was also a board member of Palmetto Country Club.
Beyond his accomplishments, David will be remembered for his humor and deep love for his family. He cherished time spent with those closest to him and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and pride.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Harper Lee; his daughter, Whitney Lee Nolan, and her husband Roger Nolan; his son, Jared Harper Lee, and his wife Heather Lee; his treasured granddaughters, Hannah and Alexa Lee; and his brother, Danny Lee and Charlotte Pitman.
Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Hazel Lee; his sisters, Diane Lee Doss and Denece Lee Thibodeaux; and his nephew, Stiles Lee Bailiff.
A visitation will be held on May 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., both at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana.
Donations in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Louisiana Missionary Baptist Seminary.
Special thanks to the exemplary staff at The Retreat in Jasper, GA for their tireless love and care!