Rev. M. Russell Lee

Reverend Milton Russell Lee, 85 years old, entered eternal life at the Congdon Family Homestead, Dexter on 6/25/24.

The son of Milton and Ruth (Congdon) Lee, Russell was born on a dairy farm in Pillar Point, NY.  He was predeceased by six siblings. He was a graduate of Dexter High School, Roberts Wesleyan, and New York Theological Seminary.

While attending Roberts, he met Frances Marion Hibbard (a native of Ontario, Canada), who became his wonderfully supportive partner in life and ping pong doubles matches. Ping pong and supportive partnerships have become trademarks of the Lees and their family.

Russell and Marion celebrated 62 years of marriage. Marion is joined in loving and missing him by their immediate family of fourteen including three children Murray (Karen and her son Noah), Douglas (Christine), and Carolyn; five grandchildren Kaitlin, Matthew (Michelle), Madelyn (Kyle), Zoë and Leo; and two great grandchildren Patrick and Mackenzie.

Bishop W. Ralph Ward ordained Rev. Lee as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1965, and as an Elder two years later. He began his ministry in St. Regis Falls, Nicholville, and Fort Jackson. Over 38 years, he served congregations in Norwood, Massena, Elmira, and Sherrill.

From 1980 to 1986, he served as the District Superintendent of the St.Lawrence District. He was honored to be elected by his colleagues to serve three separate terms as a member of the Northeast Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church and retired in 2003.

Wherever they lived, Russell enjoyed participating in the community, including on the Rotarian Scholarship Committee in Massena, the ecumenical Elmira Council of Churches, the Dexter Historical Society, and the Dexter High School Alumni Group.

A  life-long sports fan, he served as editor of the Sports section of the Roberts Wesleyan newspaper, The Beacon. One of the pleasures of his retirement years was attending many General Brown High School sporting events. Cold, fall Friday nights Russell would be seen walking the sideline at Lions football games. Winter was for Lions Varsity Basketball games.

Retirement also provided time for other important activities.  He was an avid reader of history and politics, enjoyed travel, birds, music, and was a devoted researcher of family genealogy.

Throughout his life, Russell genuinely engaged with people - everyone and everywhere. If you were the recipient of his attention, you felt valued. He “met you where you are” and is missed by many dear friends, parishioners, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 13th at the Dexter United Methodist Church at 4:00 PM. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Urban Mission of Watertown or Doctors Without Borders USA.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.