Dr. Reginald S. Lee Sr., 90, longtime W. Philly dentist and active community volunteer

Dr. Reginald S. Lee Sr., 90, of Cheyney, Delaware County, a longtime West Philadelphia dentist and active community volunteer, died at his home Saturday, Sept. 16, of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

In 1955, Dr. Lee graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville with a degree in dentistry. He settled in West Philadelphia in 1957, and over the next four decades, built a successful dental practice. He influenced the lives of his associates, patients, and the many dental students he mentored and helped over the years, his family said in a tribute.

In 1970, Dr. Lee and other practitioners founded the F.L.W.G. Comprehensive Health Center at 52nd Street and Haverford Avenue. At the time, it was the largest health-care center in the community. The aim was to "provide high-quality dental care to anyone in need," his family said.

After the center closed in 1980, Dr. Lee continued to practice in several locations until his retirement in 1996.

Dr. Lee was a member of the New Era Dental Society, Philadelphia County Dental Society, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. In 1995, Dr. Lee was given the Colgate-Palmolive Dental Volunteer of the Year Award. Two years later, Colgate-Palmolive again honored Dr. Lee with the Outstanding Service Award. The New Era Dental Society also honored him with its Community Service and Professional Award.

In 1989, he received the Humanitarian Award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Foundation of Dentistry for services to handicapped and mentally compromised patients.

Born at home in Baltimore to Sylvester Joseph Lee and Josephine Johnson Lee, Dr. Lee grew up in poverty with five siblings. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore and enrolled at Howard University in the Army Specialized Training Program.

He served briefly in the Army at the end of World War II.  In 1950, Dr. Lee earned a bachelor of science degree from West Virginia State University. His time at "State," as he called it, fueled an affection for the university that continued until just before his death. He worked on behalf of the school and its alumni association.

In 2006, he was honored with the Second Century Award — the very first one given by the school — for his service to the students of West Virginia. His co-honoree was the then-governor, Joe Manchin, now a U.S. senator.

Donating his time, support, and services to many different causes and groups was a guiding principle of Dr. Lee's life.

He volunteered for the Stephen Smith Home for the Aged, West and Columbia North Branches of the YMCA, Citizens for Progress, and Interested Negroes Inc.  He was a life member of the NAACP, and a member of the American Red Cross, to which he regularly donated blood. He served as a director of the West Chester Community Center, and as a trustee of the Sankofa Academy Charter School.

In addition to the many certificates of appreciation Dr. Lee received from groups he aided, Dr. Lee was honored in 1980 with the Charles Drew Achievement Award as well as the President's Award from Meharry Medical College.

In 1994, he was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Historically Black Colleges by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.

A second guiding principle of Dr. Lee's life was the importance of education as a key to advancement. Along with his wife, Roberta Hill Lee, he provided all six of their sons with a college education while also helping other aspiring students.

In retirement, he enjoyed photography and was an avid fan of all sports, especially basketball.  He rooted for all Philadelphia sports teams but "held a special place in his heart for all athletes who played for his beloved West Virginia State Yellow Jackets," his family said.

He also enjoyed gardening and grew his own vegetables "out back" through this past summer.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Dr. Lee is survived by sons Reginald Jr., Geoffrey, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Steven, and Edgar; and two grandchildren.

At Dr. Lee's request, there will be no memorial service. He will be interred in the family plot at the Baltimore National Cemetery in Maryland.

Memorial donations can be made to the West Virginia State University Alumni Association via https://connect.wvstateu.edu/donate.