John Daniel Lee, Jr., of Amelia Island, Florida passed away on Saturday morning, February 18, 2023, at the age of 84. Dan was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late John and Frances Lee. Dan grew up in Freeport, PA, he was an exceptional student, football player, and Eagle Scout. Dan was inducted into the Allegheny County Sports Hall of Fame for football. He was heavily recruited by the country’s top academic institutions and football programs. Based on Dan’s academic and football performance, Duke University offered him a full scholarship. After visiting Duke, he knew this was the college for him to continue his academic and football career.
While at Duke, he met his wife, Betty. Dan graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. He and Betty were married October 22, 1961. A week after their marriage, Dan was called up to the Army for active-duty service during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. At the completion of the Berlin Crisis, Dan attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s MBA program.
Dan began his business career with Prudential Life and Insurance Company, Jacksonville, FL in 1963. With Prudential, he and Betty lived in Atlanta, GA, Jacksonville, FL, and Rumson, NJ. In 1978 Dan joined TIAA-CREF where he served as the Executive President and CIO of TIAA Investments. Dan was involved with the financing of many of the nation’s top shopping centers, such as Mall of America and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. He was a member of the Urban Institute and was profiled in the 1996-97 edition of Who’s Who in Finance and Industry. At his retirement in 1996 TIAA-CREF’s Chairman and CEO Clifton R. Wharton, Jr. stated, “Dan leaves a legacy of superior performance and outstanding financial strength to TIAA participants”.
Upon his retirement, Dan & Betty became full time residents of Amelia Island. It is a very special place for Dan and Betty, where he and his family spent numerous happy times, playing golf, attending Jacksonville Jaguars games, celebrating Thanksgiving, and enjoying the lovely area. Dan absolutely adored his family and especially his grandchildren. He and Betty would try and spend as much time as possible with his family. Dan was a member of the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel, where he served both inside and outside the church congregation. Dan also enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Betty.
Dan is survived by his wife Betty of 62 years, his son John Daniel Lee, III and daughter-in-law Linda of Orlando, FL, his son Michael and daughter-in-law Erin of Milton, GA, and his daughter Julie Hatton and son-in-law Steve of Southlake, TX. Also survived by his six grandchildren, Stephanie and Johnny Lee of Orlando, FL, William and Jenna Lee of Milton, GA, Dylan and Riley Hatton of Southlake, TX. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joanne Ebig and his brother Alan Lee.
Rather than flowers, please make Memorial Gifts to the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel, Amelia Island, FL.