WILMINGTON — Robert Michael “Mike” Lee, 77, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026.
Born March 17, 1948, to the late Robert Ernest Lee Jr. and Doris Butler Lee of Dunn, North Carolina, Mike lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his work, his faith, and the simple joys that made him happiest. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Poindexter Lee; his daughter, Kristen Renee Lee; his sisters, Sylvia Hamilton (Steve), Vicki Strait (Tim), and Penny Phillips (Alan); and many nieces, along with a few very close family and church friends he held especially dear.
Mike retired in 2010 from Corning after 20+ years of dedicated and faithful service as a forming operator. He always enjoyed running into former colleagues and reminiscing about old times. A natural storyteller, Mike had a gift for spinning tales and embellishing them with flair, often leaving those around him smiling or laughing.
He had a deep love for music—especially Motown and The Righteous Brothers, whom he was thrilled to see in concert for his 77th birthday. He also loved the beach and felt most at home near the water, often saying, “You can take the person away from the beach, but they can never take away the sand between your toes.” He was passionate about history and research, always eager to learn something new or share an interesting fact.
Above all else, Mike fiercely loved his wife and daughter, and his greatest joy was simply being with them. His warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family invites all who knew and loved Mike to cherish his memory and carry forward the stories, laughter, and love he so freely gave.
