Making a Difference in One Person’s Life …
Can Make All the Difference in the World
Our Past and Current Partners for the Josh Lee Memorial 5K
Randi A. Berry - Eddie Tallon - Arkwright Foundation - Johnny and Laurie Lee - White’s Exon - John and Isabel Barber - Robert and Sylvia Caldwell
Contec - VCOM - Sky Webster - L. Terrell Sovey - Bahnmuller Insurance and Consulting - LLC Amick - Bahmuller and Associates - CWS Insurance
Hodge Floors - MTM Investment Management - Abstract Designs - Spartan Waste
“Your support will help this scholarship grow.”
“Josh was a fine young man and like a grandson to me. I knew him from the day he was born until the day he died. Providing sponsorship and other financial support is the best way we can honor Josh’s legacy. Your support will help this scholarship continue to grow and benefit many track and field and cross country student-athletes at USC Upstate.”
Junie White
White’s Exxon Station on the Eastside of Spartanburg SC is is irrefutably a local institution and, in his own right, so is the owner, Mr. Junie White. The business man from Gaffney who turned a gas station into a gold mine, who became an activist for social justice at an early age and served for three terms as the Mayor of Spartanburg - is also known for the unique bond he shares with his business partner of 38 years.
In 1984, a 16-year old Johnny Lee stopped by Mr. White’s, on the instruction of his mother, to see about a job. In the nearly four decades since then, the relationship between the two has become that of a father and son.
“My father died when I was two weeks old,” said Johnny, “Mr. White has been like a Dad to me. He’s been so influential in my life. He taught me how to treat people and showed me that if you treat everyone well, you can’t go wrong. He shared the same lessons with my son Josh, who was like a grandson to Junie.” Mr. White was at the hospital the day Josh was born and he was at the hospital, with the Lees, on the day Josh died.
Junie White retired about 10 years ago and left the station in Johnny’s hands. “I have so many friends in this community, thanks to Junie. He showed me what giving to others looks like and my family and I will forever be grateful for that.”
Junie White pictured on the right with Johnny Lee and customer and friend, Tammy Whaley
Tammy Whaley was the former Communications Director at USC Upstate and delivered the news about Josh’s injuries to Johnny and Junie on the night of the accident.
“This is about honoring students who shared Josh’s love for life”
“The Josh Lee Memorial Scholarship honors student athletes in cross country and track and field, but it is really more about honoring students who share Josh’s love for life. Josh shared smiles, laughter and a loving spirit with anyone and everyone and he made any room better just by being there. His positive attitude and love for living are traits we should all aspire to embrace because these characteristics make the world a better place.”
Jack McBride
Pictured: Stacy and Jack McBride. Jack is the CEO of Contec
“When we began raising funds for the scholarship in Josh’s memory, we couldn’t have imagined, then, the remarkable generosity of this community.”
Johnny Lee, Josh Lee’s father
The old adage, “Like father, like son” is a common quip when folks in Spartanburg think about Johnny Lee and his son Josh. The two had a rare bond forged by their faith in God, their love of family and friends and their unrivaled work ethic. Today, when Johnny talks about losing Josh, he is quick to tell you about the community that has rallied around them. From the cards and casseroles in the early days after Josh died, to the ongoing contributions that are donated to the Josh Lee Scholarship Fund, the Lees say they will forever be humbled by the outpouring of support in memory of their son.
As the endowment at USC Upstate continues to grows, Johnny Lee points to the local businesses, organizations and individuals who are making it happen. And though he never intended to add fundraising to his busy days at White’s Exxon Station, Johnny admits he’s getting more comfortable promoting the programs he and his wife established to honor Josh. “We will never stop missing our boy,” said Johnny,” but knowing that so many young people will benefit from the scholarship that bears his name is a comfort we can’t even put into words.”
Pictured: Johnny Lee leading the start of the 2021 Josh Lee Memorial 5K
The Sponsorship Breakfast - Friendship, Food and Fun
You’re invited!
Every year, before the Josh Lee Memorial 5K, the organizers of the run hold a casual outdoor gatheirng for the sponsors and partners of the race. This year’s breakfast will offer sponsors the opportunity to learn more about the endowed scholarship they’re supporting and to meet the newest award recipients.
“Even more important, says Johnny Lee, “this get together allows us the chance to personally thank the members of our community for their investment and their ongoing generosity.”
From its inception -the scholarship program has raised more than $500,000. To date, with the growing number of scholarship recipients, the fund balance stands at approximately $260,000.
Letters of invitation to the sponsorship breakfast are mailed out each year by the Athletic Department at USC Upstate.
Pictured: Johnny and Laurie Lee, Cathy and Thomas Voelker and Carson Blackwelder
Cathy Voelker is a 2008 USC Upstate alumna. She and her husband Thomas have been long time friends of the Lees. Carson Blackwelder is the Coach for the Cross Country and Track and Field Program at USC Upstate. From day one, the trio have been instrumental in organizing the memorial 5K and the pre-run dinner along with the Lees.