Wings of Hope in the Wake of a Tragedy
For the family and friends who have been left to find a sense of peace following Josh Lee’s death, there are two pictures that have come to symbolize who Josh was and how he lived his life.
The image above was taken when Josh was with his teammates from USC Upstate on a track and field trip in NC. “Those outstretched arms say everything to me”, said Josh’s only sibling, Macy Lee Chadwick. “Josh was always ready with a hug, he always showed up with a smile, he knew that relationships mattered.”
And the picture featured on the cover of Laurie Lee’s book entitled, Just Finish the Race, “that picture,” said Laurie, “speaks to me in so many ways. With his face to the mountains and his arms lifted to the sky, Josh looks like he could take flight, like an angel. Josh seemed to understand that his purpose on this earth was to encourage and affirm others and he never lost sight of that.”
Laurie and Johnny Lee will tell you that living with grief has much to do with the mingling of letting go and holding on. In the spirit of doing both – they offer the quotes and poems below to embolden your belief in the power of love and give wing to your hopes for a better world.
Remembering Josh
A Vow to Turn Heartache into Hope
In media outlets across the country and on television stations throughout South Carolina, the news on October 11, 2015 told a story of four promising student athletes taken well before their time.
What followed for a beloved family in Spartanburg, SC was a test of faith and a time of courage. And, so many questions.
How do you find meaning in the death of a child? How do you honor the memory of a young man who was destined to make a difference in the world?
Johnny and Laurie Lee made a vow to follow in the footsteps of their son, to finish the race he started by being a source of strength to others.
It’s an honor to be his sister.
"Josh was the kind of man you want your son’s to grow up to be. He was kind, selfless, loving, honorable, courageous and always knew how to make you smile. I had the pleasure of being Josh's older sister. He meant the world to me. We were best friends, granted we fought like siblings do, but at the end of the day he was my ride or die. I miss him more than words can explain. It’s an honor to be his sister.I hope one day, I’m at least half the kind of person he was. “
Macy Lee Chadwick
Josh was a ray of sunshine.
“I'd just say in summary. Josh was a ray of sunshine it didnt matter if you had a bad race or a tough practice, he always had a smile for you and something nice to say. A true definition of “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Essence Jackson, pictured far right
He always made me feel supported.
“When I think of Josh, I think of the profound impact that his friendship had on my life. I think of his humor and the countless times it got me through the day. I think of his unwavering commitment to his passions and his family. I think of his optimism in trails. I think of his compassion and how he always made me feel supported. But mostly, I think about how lucky I was to know and love Josh for so many years. Josh was generous with his love and his footprint on my life and so many others will never be washed away.”
Madeline Fuller Crib
He was my best friend.
“Josh was the most unselfish person I've ever met. Everyone around him was touched by his generosity in some shape or form whether it was simply paying for a meal or giving life advice. Most of all, Josh made sure that everyone was happy. He was the guy who made people laugh, so everyone loved being around him. He was my best friend, I miss him so much.”
Sam Cheshire, pictured with his parents
One of the kindest souls I’ve ever met.
“Josh was an incredible friend, teammate and person to everyone who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. He will forever remain as one of the kindest souls I have ever known and a beautiful person I will never forget.”
Kelsey Warren, teammate
He will always be missed.
“Josh never allowed his friends and teammates to have a bad day. If things were tough on you he knew how to support you and make you laugh to brighten your day. He knew the value of teamwork and pushing you through challenges. His loss hit all of USC Upstate and he will always be missed.”
Alex Love, teammate
He lit up our lives with his infectious personality.
“The world is a less special place without Josh Lee. He lit up our lives with his infectious personality and warm soul. I feel blessed to have known him.”
Nick Bryson, family friend since childhood
He truly was a light in everyone’s life.
“Josh was a one-of-a-kind person. He was kind, compassionate, and had a wicked sense of humor. I don’t think anyone else could make you belly laugh the way Josh did. He was the best definition of a genuine person, he truly was a light in everyone’s life. I am so thankful to have known him, and although his time here was cut short, I know his life was purposeful and continues to make an impact.”
Courtney Reilly Haddock
I’m a better person for knowing Josh and his remarkable family.
“The journey that Laurie and Johnny Lee made after losing their son so tragically is nothing short of miraculous. Faced with overwhelming grief and loss, they channeled their energies into building a lasting legacy for Josh that in turn helps so many others. And that is the spirit of the Lee Family – they are always willing to lend a helping hand, a kind word, and a loving heart.
I’m a better person for knowing Josh and his remarkable family.”
Tammy Whaley, friend of the Lee family.
Tammy was the Communications Director at USC Upstate when Josh was killed. She notified the Lees about the accident and met them at the hospital.
Everyone has a race to run.
“Josh was planning on becoming a teacher and a coach when he finished college. We were so proud of who he was and so excited about all that he planned to do with his life. To lose Josh was like losing a piece of myself - and for some reason I turned to pen and paper to cope with my grief.
Having never written anything in my life, I certainly didn’t plan on writing a book about our journey. But day after day, the words and the poetry just came to me - almost as if God was calling me to share our story. What I’ve learned since Josh died is that everyone on this entire planet wakes up every morning and has a race to run. That race is called life and even in the darkest times, even after tragedy - you have to learn how to move forward and persevere.”
Laurie Lee, author of “Just Finish the Race: A Testimony of a Mother’s Love to Finish Her Son’s Race.”
If you happen on this site and have a picture of Josh you’d like to share - please let us know. The following photos have been lovingly collected, from family, friends and classmates
in the years since Josh died.
If you have a photo from time spent with Josh that you’d like to share with the Lee family, please click on this link to send us an email.