Robert Lee was born on October 4, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. His parents, Earline (Blew) and Henry Lee, adopted him when he was three days old. The family attended Compton Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Los Angeles, where Robert was baptized.
Robert attended McKinley Elementary and Los Angeles Union Academy in El Segundo,
California. At age ten, his family moved to Perris, California, where he attended Good Hope Elementary and Perris Junior High. He later graduated from La Sierra Academy in Riverside, where he excelled in sports including gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. During his senior year, he served as the Physical Education Assistant. Robert also sang tenor in the school choir and contributed as an editor/cartoonist for the school paper. A highlight of his high school years was singing with the Inland Empire Coraleers at the World Youth Congress in Zurich, Switzerland.
Robert began college at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, later transferring to Loma Linda University, where he earned a B.S. in Social Services. He worked at Kellogg Psychiatric Hospital in Corona, California, before pursuing a career in education inspired by his passion for mentoring youth. He taught at San Diego Academy for ten years. After earning a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Instructional Computer Technology from United States International University, he chaired the computer literacy committee and developed a K–12 curriculum adopted by the
school board. He later taught photography and digital editing for San Diego College of
Continuing Education. Robert loved teaching; chalk dust will always remain on the sleeve of his soul. He also worked for more than twenty years at USD School of Law as an Electronic Service Specialist.
Robert married early in life and had two children, Yasmine Shanell Baker and Xavier Marcellus Lee. Following his divorce, he remained a devoted father, encouraging and supporting his children throughout their education and lives.
An active church member, Robert served as a youth assistant, Pathfinder director, Elder, teacher, choir member, webmaster, newsletter editor, and photographer. An accomplished harmonicist, he often shared his musical gifts at church services and special events.
Robert received his wings on May 4, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory his children; Yasmine and Xavier, grandsons; Elijah and Dominic Baker, brother Randy Douglas (Patricia), sisters; Toi Jackson and Jeannie Sadles, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
