Walter Lee III was born on January 1, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the third sibling of six children born to the late Walter Lee Jr. and the late Marie Gloria Lee. He attended East Technical High School, and grew up in the Garden Valley Housing projects in Cleveland, Ohio. He was called home on Sunday, July 30, 2023, around 4:30 in the morning with his wife by his side at their home.

Walter took pride in the neighborhood he grew up in. His past directed him toward his future, spurring him to make changes in his life and pursue better opportunities. Walter kept close to his friends in Garden Valley and kept in touch with his friends from the hood. He was a responsible, single parent for his son Dexter.

During the most difficult time in his life, Walter had mentors that helped him to change his life. In 1998, he received a State of Ohio Stationary Engineers License along with several certifications during his years in Universal Refrigerant Recovery, HVAC, Building Engineering, Building Maintenance, Construction Management, and Computer Basic Training.

He met the love of his life, Daisy Walker, in 1988 and they married on July 14, 1990. From that union their son, Eric Walter Lee, was born on February 8, 1995. Eric was a breach baby, so Walter and Daisy needed to pick a date for delivery. The happy parents picked Walter’s sister Joyce’s birthdate since she was the match maker.

Walter enjoyed being around his family. He loved to cook, listen to old-school music, fish, and read the bible. He was highly interested in black history. He was not connected with a church building but was spiritually connected to Christ Jesus.

Walter loved working with his hands, it proved to be the skill set he was most passionate about. He could make a diagram like an architect; his details were precise. While working as a Stationary Engineer, he also went into the real estate investment business. He did renovations and remodeled quality houses for low-income families.

Walter was preceded in death by his dad, Walter Lee Jr.; mother Marie Gloria Lee; and siblings Frankie Lee, Maurice Lee, and Beverly Lee.

He leaves behind his loving spouse, Daisy Lee; his two sons, Dexter Kenyatta Lee, and Eric Walter Lee; his siblings, Lottie Collins (Sonny), Joyce Harris (Bernard), and Fred Lee (Jackie); his in-laws, Alexander Tolliver (Marlene), Julia Robinson, Idell Mckinney (George), and Sheila Farmer (Larry); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.