Ricky Lee

Richard Perkins Lee, Jr., passed away peacefully with his sister Amy by his side on January 12, 2026. Ricky was 59 years old. Born March 13, 1966, Ricky grew up in the Gracewood Home for individuals with developmental disabilities in Augusta, Georgia. He lived in a series of group homes and nursing homes until 2014. When his sister Amy learned that he was living in the Life Care Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia, she and her son, Carter, went to visit him. It was the first time they met each other, and there was an instant bond. On June 30, 2014, Amy, her husband Michael, and Carter moved Ricky to Birmingham, Michigan, where he would live with them for the next ten years. While living in Michigan, Ricky attended a vocational program at Gesher Human Services in Southfield, took swimming lessons, attended art and music therapy at FAR in Birmingham, and was an active participant in Rejoicing Spirits, the inclusive "no shush" service at First Presbyterian Church. Ricky also traveled extensively with his new-found family. Together they would visit 12 countries and 20 states, with many visits to his favorite destination, Walt Disney World. Ricky loved music, basketball, bowling, hamburgers, coffee, and watching The Price is Right. Ricky's health declined in his final year of life, so he moved to the Leidich Home in Lake Orion, where he had five housemates who became his dear friends and 24/7 care from a staff who loved him, led by Leah Plummer. Ricky is preceded in death by his father, Richard Perkins Lee, and his mother, Dia Bettencourt Stokes. He is survived by sister Amy Lee Montri, brother-in-law Michael Montri, nephew Carter Montri, sister Dia Stokes Kelly (Dave), niece Katie Kelly, step-mother Susan Carter Lee, parents-in-law Brenda and Larry Montri, step-father John Stokes, aunt Jeri Bettencourt Arnold (Don), and many cousins. Ricky's joy and enthusiasm for life was evident to everyone who met him, and he will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 pm, at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan, with a time for sharing of memories at 3:30 pm. Following the service, we invite everyone who knew and loved Ricky to join us at Birmingham Pub on Woodward Ave. from 4:30-6:30 pm for food, drinks and togetherness in remembrance of our sweet Big Boy. The family suggests memorial donations in Ricky's name be made to Gesher Human Services in Southfield to support the program "Choices - Service for Persons with Disabilities." Please click on the following link: Donate.

Ricky Lee

March 13, 1966 - January 12, 2026