
08/31/2025
Marion Barnwell “Snookie” Lee, Jr., 86, husband of Nancy Lewis Lee, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at his home in Hemingway, South Carolina. His life was one marked by service—to family, students, town, state, church—and by an unwavering commitment to making things better wherever he could.
Born on September 10, 1939, in Florence, South Carolina, Snookie was a son of the late Marion B. Lee, Sr. and Charlotte Lee. He grew up in Hemingway and graduated from Hemingway High School before attending Presbyterian College. At Presbyterian College, he was not only a dedicated student but also a beloved member of the campus community—voted Most Popular by his classmates and serving as Business Manager of the college yearbook, the "Blue Hose."
Snookie began working at an early age in his family’s business, Hemingway Dry Cleaners. His passion for education soon led him into a distinguished career as a teacher, coach, and principal at both Hemingway High School and Hemingway Elementary School. Under his leadership, these schools achieved recognition for their high academic performance—a testament to his commitment to excellence in education.
His influence extended beyond the classroom. Snookie was appointed to the South Carolina State Board of Education and served on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University. After dedicating over three decades to education, he embarked on a new professional chapter by earning his Real Estate and Brokerage License.
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Snookie served as a Captain and Artillery Instructor at Fort Sill in Oklahoma for two years. His sense of duty continued throughout his life through extensive civic involvement. He was elected to the Hemingway Town Council where he served for more than twenty years. He also held positions on the South Carolina State Board of Agriculture and served as Chairman of the Department of Transportation for Williamsburg County.
Snookie’s love for his hometown was evident in all he did. He co-founded the South Carolina Bar-B-Que S**g Festival—an event that continues to bring joy and unity to the community each year.
A man deeply rooted in faith, Snookie was a lifelong member of Hemingway First Methodist Church where he served faithfully as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years.
Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Snookie found great joy in gardening. An avid cultivator of both vegetables and flowers, he took pride in nurturing life from soil to bloom—a reflection of how he nurtured those around him with care and intention.
Snookie is survived by daughters, Charlotte Sullivan, Margo Baghdady (Brian), and Rachel Loscalzo (Anthony); grandchildren Christopher Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Jack Sullivan, Thomas Leonard, Helen Leonard, Matthew Baghdady (Sarah), Grace Baghdady, and Isabel Baghdady; brother Joe Lee (Linda); sister Earle Lee Bennett (Neyle); and many others who were touched by his wisdom and warmth.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in the Garden of Devotion Cemetery located at 800 South Georgetown Highway, Johnsonville, South Carolina.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel, 416 N Main Street, Hemingway, South Carolina, 29554.
Memorial donations may be made in Snookie’s honor to Hemingway First Methodist Church, PO Box 6, Hemingway, South Carolina, 29554 or Agape Care, 8 Law Range, Sumter, South Carolina, 29150.
Marion Barnwell Snookie Lee, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Hemingway, South Carolina on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Arrangements, handled by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway, will be announced later. Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com