Joseph Finley Lee, Jr. (82), known as Finley, died peacefully in Naples, Florida on February 13, 2022. Predeceased by his parents, Joseph Finley Lee, Sr and Valerie Lee. Finley is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jean, his sons, Finley Lee III (Dana), Matthew Lee, and Stephen Lee (Katie), his grandchildren, Griffin and Amelia Lee, his sister, Linda Falls, and his brother, David Lee (Beth).
Finley was born on October 5, 1939, and raised in Charlotte N.C. He met the girl who would become his wife, Jean Mauldin, in the 5th grade. He graduated from Meyers Park High School, Davidson College (B.A. Economics) and the University of Pennsylvania (PhD, Applied Economics).
After completing his education, Finley served in the military as an army captain, teaching Political Science at the U.S. Naval Academy. He began his academic career teaching Business Administration at Florida State University, followed by 25 years of teaching in the business school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over time, he built a successful business as a consulting economist, a career which took him all over the United States and Europe before retiring in 1996 to Naples, Florida.
A long-time Member of Quail Creek Country Club (Naples), he spent many happy hours golfing. In later years, he became a Life Master in bridge, a game which he played competitively until a few weeks before his death.
Donations in his name may be made to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice (27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, 34135), The Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.