Michael “Bird” Lee, 32, of Jacksonville, formerly of Vero Beach, passed away on Oct. 25, 2015.
He is survived by his parents, Terri Lee of Vero Beach and Michael Penuel of Jacksonville; sister Kristin Lee of Atlanta, Ga.; cousin and best friend, Kyle Decker of Jacksonville; aunts and uncles, Micky (David) Decker of Vero Beach and Michael (Pauline) Shifflett of Starke, Fla., as well as cousins and so many good friends all over the country.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Patrick and Shirley Shifflett of Vero Beach and cousin, Travis Shifflett of Starke, Fla.
Lee sadly left us too soon at the age of 32 in Jacksonville. He was born April 1, 1983 to Terri Lee and Michael Penuel. Always the funny guy, it is fitting that he was born on April Fool’s Day.
He grew up in Vero Beach and graduated from Vero Beach High in 2001 where he played both football and baseball. He loved the ocean and spending time with his friends. Ever the jokester, he had an uncanny ability for impersonations and making people laugh.
Lee was fond of painting and drawing and had a real talent for them. Music and books were a big part of his life, and he enjoyed such authors as Bukowski, Hiaasen, and Kerouac. He had a knack for cultivating plants and wanted to make that a focus of his degree. He loved the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins, and he was so thrilled when the Dolphins started turning their season around this year.
He loved life – the good, the bad, and everything in between. He was extremely passionate about everything he did and the people he met along the way. He could see the beauty in the smallest of things and tried to take in everything he possibly could. He was a friend to everyone he met and has touched all of our hearts. When you think of Mike, he wouldn’t want you to be sad. Instead, remember the good times and the memories you made with the guy with the “Cheshire Cat” smile.
Lee never would have wanted a stuffy funeral service so instead his family has decided to throw a party in his honor. Come celebrate his life with his friends and family on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. at his favorite local daytime hangout, Waldo’s at the Driftwood Resort, 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
Strunk Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
