Dr. Chul Nam Lee
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Dr. Chul Nam Lee, age 94, of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away on June 13, 2022. Dr. Lee received his medical degree from Seoul National University near the start of the Korean War, and he was immediately drafted by the Korean Army as a doctor. During the Korean War, he was assigned to a U.S. M.A.S.H. unit where he followed front line troops in combat. He retired from the military with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
After the war, but while still in the service, he did a rotation at Tripler Veterans Hospital in Honolulu, HI, where he was able to meet with some of the U.S. soldiers that he served with during the war. He was also able to experience what life in the U.S. could be compared to war-ravaged Korea, and he arranged for a job in Erie, PA, that would allow him to receive his permanent residency in the U.S. After over 7 years living on his own in the U.S., he was able to bring over his wife and youngest child to the U.S. in 1964, and after 4 more years, he was able to bring over his 3 other children. His last child was born in the U.S.
Dr. Lee worked in Erie, PA, for over 15 years and then moved to Hermitage, PA, where he opened his own urological practice for dozen years. In December, 1984, he moved to open up his solo practice in Riverdale , GA near to his children. He retired in 1996.
Dr. Lee holds the distinction of being the first foreign medical graduate to become board certified in Urology. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Board Member of the Korea War Veterans Association and the Lions Club. Dr. Lee was multi-talented having taught himself to play the accordion, guitar, and clarinet. He was also an excellent ballroom dancer and skater. He was in a band, and he loved playing golf and tennis. After retiring from medicine, he also wrote a novel.
Dr. Lee is survived by his: wife, Dong Ae Shin; ex-wife Hae Kyong (Hahn) Lee; children Myong Dong (Mark) (Haewohn) Lee, Myong Sook (Michelle) (Joon Kim) Lee, Ki Dong (Kevin) (Swan) Lee, Kenneth Kyong Dong (Hewon Kim) Lee, and Wilma (Kyong Sook) (Charles Grosjean) Lee; sisters Ok Hee Lee and Chung Ok (Bong Suk Chang) Lee; grandchildren Christopher, Patricia, Jennifer, Elaine, Jason, Jeffrey, David, Daniel, Katie, Emma, Ellie, Eryn and Pax;
great grandchildren Benjamin, William, Evelyn, Ramona, Sullivan, Juniper, Jolene, Penelope and Ozzie; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge 770-210-2700. www.fordstewartfuneralhome.com