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David Ward
I was a student in his first class at UALR. It was such an honor to have a teacher of his caliber. He was a great teacher and a great man. Rest in peace Dr.Colwell.
Lee Colwell
2021-01-16
Lee Colwell, a giant among men, passed away on January 16, 2021, from complications following a fall. He died as he lived, quietly commanding respect and showing strength while treating everyone around him with equality, affection, honesty, kindness, and love.
Lee was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on April 6, 1934. He learned the value of work early in life, having two paper routes, ushering at a movie theater, and anything else to help support his mother, grandmother, and two siblings.
As a young man, he joined the FBI as an agent. Over the years, he worked his way up, living all over the country, and traveling to many other countries as his job required. In 1975, Lee was made Associate Director, the number 2 position in the FBI, and held that post until his retirement in 1985. Having been widowed in 1980, he met Barbara, and they were married in 1984 in Washington, D.C. Following his retirement, they moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they lived happily for 30 years. True to his nature, he never stopped working. Always an avid supporter of law enforcement, Lee remained involved for all of the ensuing years. He taught at the University of Arkansas while also working for the Justice Department, traveling to Central and South America often, in an effort to support and re-organize their justice systems. In Little Rock, Lee established the Criminal Justice Institute and, The National Center for Rural Law Enforcement. He later founded Pegasus Research Institute, an information-sharing system for law enforcement, first responders, etc. Along the way, he earned a doctorate and studied and became certified in Financial Management.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Doyle and Lettie Wait Colwell; his first wife, Marilyn; two children, Dr. Karen Colwell and Paul Colwell, and his sister, Jean Edmondson.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; brother and sister in law, James and Nancy Colwell; daughters, Laurie Keyton and Alison Baxter; grandchildren Susannah Miller, Erin Bovat, Kathryn Bovat, Dr. James Henry, Mark Henry; 9 great-grandchildren, and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind a host of friends, many of whom attribute their success to his example and leadership, and who refer to him as the best man I ever knew. The world is a better place because He was here, and he will be sorely missed.
Due to the pandemic, there will be no service, but our wish is that you will celebrate his life in your own way.
Donations may be made to The Nassau County Council on Aging, 1901 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Memories
Barb kent7 January 18, 2021
What a great, kind and caring man. He will be missed by us all. Love and prayers to the family.bktours@comcast.net
Arthur Connole January 19, 2021
May I add my sincere sympathy to that of the many who knew and admired him.
Luther Reynolds January 19, 2021
My respect, gratitude, prayers and love to all of Lee's family. I served on a training committee with Lee in the IACP and on the NEIA board. Lee was a kind, smart and servant leader who was thoughtful and supportive of me and made a difference in service to our profession, our communities and our country. He was a man of great wisdom and those of us who worked with him, are better for it. Lee is and will continue to be missed by us all. I am thankful he is no longer in pain and suffering.
With much love, respect, gratitude and encouragement!!
David and Louise Corderman January 19, 2021
Lee was always kind to others no matter what their station in life. He lived through some interesting years in the FBI managing the politics that went with his significant position. Lee made a difference in everything he touched and will be missed by those who were lucky to know him. He was a true gentlemen. Barbara, we wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Margaret McKinney January 20, 2021
Lee was a wonderful man, dedicated to serving God, family and country. I mourn your loss, Barbara. I know you know where you can find him. Our beloved husbands together in the presence of Jesus. I will be praying for you as you go through the process of grieving. Take courage and comfort from our Heavenly Father's love. God bless you. 2Cor1:3-7 Love, Margaret McKinney
Kay Agee (Kingdom Quilter) January 20, 2021
My sincere sympathy dearest Barbara. Prayers lifted for you and family.
Robin L Hickerson January 20, 2021
Dear James and Mark,
I met your grandfather in 1980 and he was a very impressive man. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a good friend of your mom's while we were in medical school.
Robin Hickerson MD
Barb kent7 January 18, 2021
What a great, kind and caring man. He will be missed by us all. Love and prayers to the family.bktours@comcast.net
Arthur Connole January 19, 2021
May I add my sincere sympathy to that of the many who knew and admired him.
Luther Reynolds January 19, 2021
My respect, gratitude, prayers and love to all of Lee's family. I served on a training committee with Lee in the IACP and on the NEIA board. Lee was a kind, smart and servant leader who was thoughtful and supportive of me and made a difference in service to our profession, our communities and our country. He was a man of great wisdom and those of us who worked with him, are better for it. Lee is and will continue to be missed by us all. I am thankful he is no longer in pain and suffering.
With much love, respect, gratitude and encouragement!!
David and Louise Corderman January 19, 2021
Lee was always kind to others no matter what their station in life. He lived through some interesting years in the FBI managing the politics that went with his significant position. Lee made a difference in everything he touched and will be missed by those who were lucky to know him. He was a true gentlemen. Barbara, we wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Margaret McKinney January 20, 2021
Lee was a wonderful man, dedicated to serving God, family and country. I mourn your loss, Barbara. I know you know where you can find him. Our beloved husbands together in the presence of Jesus. I will be praying for you as you go through the process of grieving. Take courage and comfort from our Heavenly Father's love. God bless you. 2Cor1:3-7 Love, Margaret McKinney
Kay Agee (Kingdom Quilter) January 20, 2021
My sincere sympathy dearest Barbara. Prayers lifted for you and family.
Robin L Hickerson January 20, 2021
Dear James and Mark,
I met your grandfather in 1980 and he was a very impressive man. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a good friend of your mom's while we were in medical school.
Robin Hickerson MD
Barb kent7 January 18, 2021
What a great, kind and caring man. He will be missed by us all. Love and prayers to the family.bktours@comcast.net
Arthur Connole January 19, 2021
May I add my sincere sympathy to that of the many who knew and admired him.
Luther Reynolds January 19, 2021
My respect, gratitude, prayers and love to all of Lee's family. I served on a training committee with Lee in the IACP and on the NEIA board. Lee was a kind, smart and servant leader who was thoughtful and supportive of me and made a difference in service to our profession, our communities and our country. He was a man of great wisdom and those of us who worked with him, are better for it. Lee is and will continue to be missed by us all. I am thankful he is no longer in pain and suffering.
With much love, respect, gratitude and encouragement!!
David and Louise Corderman January 19, 2021
Lee was always kind to others no matter what their station in life. He lived through some interesting years in the FBI managing the politics that went with his significant position. Lee made a difference in everything he touched and will be missed by those who were lucky to know him. He was a true gentlemen. Barbara, we wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Margaret McKinney January 20, 2021
Lee was a wonderful man, dedicated to serving God, family and country. I mourn your loss, Barbara. I know you know where you can find him. Our beloved husbands together in the presence of Jesus. I will be praying for you as you go through the process of grieving. Take courage and comfort from our Heavenly Father's love. God bless you. 2Cor1:3-7 Love, Margaret McKinney
Kay Agee (Kingdom Quilter) January 20, 2021
My sincere sympathy dearest Barbara. Prayers lifted for you and family.
Robin L Hickerson January 20, 2021
Dear James and Mark,
I met your grandfather in 1980 and he was a very impressive man. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a good friend of your mom's while we were in medical school.
Robin Hickerson MD