Lee Edward Meyer

Dr. Lee Edward Meyer, Sr. of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2025, at home surrounded by his large, loving family after a long battle with cancer. 

Lee was born in Brookfield, Illinois on May 26, 1938 to the late Edward Henry Meyer, Sr. and June Elaine Meyer. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Edward Henry Meyer, Jr. (Mary Ann) and Antionette Marie Evans (Keith), his son, Lee Edward Meyer, Jr., and grandson, Carver Douglass Meyer. 

Lee is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Carol Omiecinski Meyer. They followed the Lord’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 12:8) and were blessed with their large, devoted family. In addition to his wife, Lee is survived by his children Thomas Lee Meyer (Lori), Steven Lee Meyer (Donna), Julianne Elaine Gates (Steve), Joseph Lee Meyer, Carol Meyer Little (Joe), Amy Meyer Lewis (Tommy), and an abundance of precious and devoted grandchildren (18) and great-grandchildren (19). He is also survived by two siblings - his brother, Tim Meyer (Missy) and his sister, June Lynne Grivetti (John). 

Dr. Meyer was an accomplished educator and was passionate about his specialty field of Therapeutic Recreation. He taught the Recreation Administration curriculum in the School of Education for 25 years in the UNC System where he also served as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Meyer was a leader in his field, at one time serving as President of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. A brilliant man with a servant’s heart, he was also a former President/Board member of Easter Seals of North Carolina and a member of Holy Infant Catholic Church for 52 years. 

Everyone knew retirement would not mean idleness for Lee and he proved them right when he became a professional golf club maker for UNC Finley Golf Course and the UNC golf teams. He also created numerous handcrafted tobacco walking sticks for family and friends.

Lee was an accomplished intellectual and professional on many levels, but his greatest pride and joy centered around his wife and his family. When the kids were little, he served as a coach and umpire for the Parkwood Athletic Association and in his later years he loved cheering on his grands from the stands in their respective sports. Lee and Carol gained strength from each other and their love of God and trust in the Lord has seen them through the highs and lows of a life well lived. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 Southpark Drive, Durham, NC 27713, and at other times will be gathered at the home. The funeral service will be Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Infant Catholic Church with Reverend Robert Rutledge officiating. Interment will take place immediately following in the Columbarium at Holy Infant Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UNC Neonatal Special Gift Fund through the UNC Health Foundation Website: https://give.unc.edu/hfdonate. Click on Find More Fund Options, and then type Neonatal and The Neonatal Special Gift Fund (343805). Or you may donate to Holy Infant Catholic Church (5000 South Park Drive, NC 27713-9470) in memory of Lee Meyer, Sr.