John Mansfield Lee

John Mansfield Lee, a dedicated and enthusiastic educator and student, died Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of almost 19 years and friend of 29, Diane Michelle Stuckey, his father, Paul Eugene Lee, his mother in law Carol Stuckey, His father in law Wes Stuckey (Angie), his sisters Carolyn Knox (Freddie) and Paula Jackson (Michael), his brothers Mark Lee (Tara) and Stephen Lee (Kim), and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Sara “Tiny” Simmons Lee.

John was born November 20, 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a child he moved with his family to Atlanta where he attended public school, became an accomplished member of the golf team and graduated from Osborne High School in 1974. He went to work for BellSouth Telecommunications (1977-1984), then attended Kennesaw State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1985.

He worked in programming and network and IT design for Carson Consulting, Genuine Parts Company and Bellsouth Telecommunications until 1996, when he transferred to Telcordia Technologies (1996-2000). During this time he earned a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University’s Cole College of Business (1998). As a senior telecommunications consultant he had the opportunity to work domestically and internationally with local and national telecom firms. His travels took him to Ireland and Australia for extended projects, which he enjoyed immensely. His love of travel, adventure and people made this a true pleasure for him. His professionalism and social skills helped him make lifelong friends of many business associates. After early retirement in 2000, John continued his work in IT management for his father at Paul Lee Consulting Engineering Associates (2000-2007).

John truly found his calling when he became a lecturer (and student) at Southern Polytechnic State University/Kennesaw State University (2007-2018). He was dedicated to education and his students. During this time he earned a Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Mapping (2013) and became a Registered Land Surveyor. In 2014, John became the first recruit for the Georgia Tech Master of Science degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology which he received in August of that year. Soon after, he started Phoenix Associates Consulting which provided the City of Atlanta a detailed Emergency Storm Management Report and went on to consult in GIS and planning. He was also accepted into Georgia Tech’s PhD program for City and Regional Planning for which he completed the course work and was ready to begin his thesis. Unfortunately, he was not able to realize his dream of a doctorate degree as his time was cut tragically short. He treasured his time as both an instructor and student at both schools and made some very dear friends along the way. He will be dearly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, a gift in memory of John Lee may be made to the Georgia Tech Foundation Inc. and mailed to them at 760 Spring Street NW. Suite 400 Atlanta GA 30308 or to the Atlanta Humane Society 981 Howell Mill Rd NW Atlanta GA 30318.