With heartfelt sympathy, Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Lee family announce the passing of Mr. Kevin Otis Lee, of Misenheimer, NC, formerly of Darlington, SC. Mr. Lee transitioned Monday, September 29, 2025, after a sudden illness.
Family will be receiving friends 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, daily at the residence of his mother, Mrs. Mary M. Lee, 1441 Country Manor Rd, Darlington, SC.
Public viewing will be held 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC.
Funeral service will be 1:00 PM, Monday, October 6, 2025, at Christ Temple Holiness Church, 102 Farm St, Darlington, SC. Interment will follow at Sandy Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2870 Sandy Grove Church Rd, Lamar, SC.
Obituary
Kevin Otis Lee, 49, transitioned on September 29, 2025. He was born on April 8, 1976, in Darlington County, South Carolina, the beloved son of the late Otis Lee Jr. and Mary Ann McElveen Lee.
Kevin was educated in the Darlington County School System and graduated from Lamar High School in the Class of 1994. Soon after graduation, Kevin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with honor and dedication. During his years of service, Kevin was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California; Okinawa, Japan; Parris Island, South Carolina; and completed his military career at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Following his honorable discharge, Kevin transitioned into civilian life by combining his military leadership skills and food service experience into a career with Sodexo. Over the years, he worked across several universities, ultimately becoming General Manager of Dining Services at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, North Carolina. In that role, Kevin oversaw campus dining and additional food service operations with dedication and pride.
Kevin’s joy for life was evident even in childhood, when his family affectionately called him “Spiderman” because of his love for climbing and crawling on anything he could. That same adventurous and determined spirit carried into adulthood, where Kevin became known for his commitment to fitness and discipline. He spoke often of his 4 a.m. workouts, a reflection of his strong work ethic and drive to live fully.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kevin was most proud of his role as “Uncle Kevin.” He took great joy in guiding his nephews, making sure they had what they needed as they grew into young men. To them, he was more than an uncle, he was a father figure and a steady source of love and support.
Kevin also loved the thrill of debate. He enjoyed tossing out controversial topics to spark spirited conversations, not for the sake of winning, but for the laughter and energy it brought. His infectious laugh, sharp wit, and gift for storytelling made him unforgettable to all who knew him. Wherever he went, Kevin made his presence felt—his boldness and intellect were always admired and appreciated.
Kevin will be remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. His presence brought warmth, humor, and strength to every room, and his absence will be deeply felt and missed.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted mother, Mary Ann McElveen Lee; his brothers, Benard Lucas (Florence, SC) and Michael Lee (Darlington, SC); his sister, Faith Lee (Florence, SC); and his nephews, Michael Caden Lee (Columbia, SC), Harshad Jackson (Columbia, SC), Jarvis Amarrion Burns (Spartanburg, SC), Qua’lek Jackson (Darlington, SC), and Grayson Lowery (Florence, SC). He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Otis Lee Jr.; his sister, Gwendolyn Vennita Lee; and his grandparents, Otis Sr. and Bertha Ratliff Lee, and Robert Junior and Louvenia McElveen.
Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Kevin Otis Lee in your thoughts and prayers.
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