Smithfield remembers town councilman, basketball coach who died Sunday
Smithfield leaders announced the passing of a beloved town council member who served the eastern part of the community.
Marlon Lee, 51, who represented Smithfield’s District 1, died suddenly on Sunday afternoon, according to town officials.
First elected to the town council in 2103, Lee also served as the head coach of the girl’s varsity basketball team at Clayton High School.
According to the JoCo Report, Lee graduated from St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh in 1999.
Details about his death are unknown at this time.
Friends and family flooded Lee’s Facebook page with an outpouring of love and remembrance into early Monday morning, expressing condolences. His last post was just before 10 a.m. on Sunday, saying, “Hope everyone has a sensational, supa-dupa, satisfying, sanctified Sunday.”
In a statement by Mayor Andy Moore shared with the JoCo Report, Moore called Lee a “dedicated public servant and esteemed member of our Smithfield community.”
“Councilman Lee’s unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of our town, especially District 1, has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” the statement read. “His advocacy for community engagement and his steadfast dedication to representing the voices of his constituents have set a standard for all public officials.”
Moore said he was still “in shock” about Lee’s death and ordered all flags at town facilities to be lowered to half-staff this week.
Eric Bracy, the superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools, said in a statement also shared with same site that Lee was “more than a prolific educator, coach, councilman, and mentor.”
“He was a pillar of strength and a heroic figure to countless student-athletes across our district. He was a dear friend,” Bracy said. “His passion for both education and athletics was unmatched, leaving a mark not only on the history books of Johnston County Public Schools and the state of North Carolina, but more importantly, on the lives of those he so selflessly served for many years.”
Moore added sthat details about Lee’s memorial services will be shared with the Johnston County community at a later time.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.