Landis Ogden Lee Jr. Dies January 30

Landis Ogden Lee Jr. was born March 8th,1935 to Landis Peter Lee and Myrtis Hampton. Landis spent his childhood in culturally rich Brooklyn,New York. Finances were of bare essential, but the Forte Greene projects were rich with salty soft pretzels and NY pizza, stickball and the Dodgers, street fights & Joe Lewis, Sunday matinees, summer camp in the country, and community pools where he developed his skill for swimming. Heavy Hispanic influences cooked up great passion for Latin music and filled his adult family home with the seasoning of beats which later transfused into the blood of his son, now a professional percussionist. Landis sought further education at HBCU Morgan State University. His lifeguarding experience earned him a place on the swim team. He helped carry his team through many championships as his collection of gold medals can attest to. College branded Landis in two ways. On his right arm he bears the red hot iron brand as a Que-Dog nube for the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. But the deepest branding was stamped by love that marked his heart and soul for the young woman who became his bride.

After serving in the draft for the US Army, Landis secured a job as a juvenile delinquent officer which eventually evolved into employment with the NY State Department of Parole. He took much pride in feeling that he made communities safer by rehabilitating offenders. He preserved the dignity of his parolees by expressing faith in them that they possessed the self control to take positive initiatives to better their lives and thus those around them. His passion for sports and desire to elevate youth kept him busy outside of work with many hours of mentoring and reffing for Pop Warner leagues where he settled his young family in Hempstead, New York.

Much like how it happened for many, a visit with family to Sag Harbor, New York resulted in falling in love with the town and relocating his family in 1973. For Landis, the vast beaches promising endless swims was the beckoning call. All four of his children graduated from Pierson High School. Landis continued refereeing high school and adult league sports. To this day there are some players who say although they didn’t appreciate some unfavorable calls, they respectfully backed down from verbal dispute with him because they knew his integrity and honor for the game had him calling it the way he thought most fair. He and Beverly remained in what he still considered his hometown until they moved to Chesapeake, Virginia for his retirement in 1995. Here the waters called him once again and he collected medals from many a Senior Master open bay swim.-

It was one thing to win endless college swim meets. It was another to spot the girl on campus and win her heart. After fulfilling his draft contract, Landis drove directly to Philadelphia to asked Frank Wyche for Beverly’s hand in marriage. Their courtship turned into a companionship that lasted 4 years after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary till death did them part. They are now reunited to love and behold for eternity.

Landis graduated from this earth on January 30 during a peaceful evening slumber with his son by his side. Armored with his great Faith, his mind and body surrendered to free his Spirit to rise. He is predeceased by his bride and his brother Lloyd Lee. He is survived by his children, Donna, Greg, Linda and Pam, son in laws Frank and Peter, grandchildren Jonathan, Max, Phoebe, and Marcus, nephews Derrick, Kyle and Jordan, as well as honorary family members, Leo & Krystal and Deborah.

Services for Landis Ogden Lee will be held in Chesapeake VA at Graham Funeral home with viewing at 9am and Service at 10am Please visit www.gra-hamfuneralhome.com

To leave a condolence to the family. Landis will be laid to rest next to his beloved Beverly at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.

His children extend heartfelt thanks to family and friends for the outpouring of love and respect expressed for him. Should there be desire to extend a caring gesture please contribute to lifetoday.org, a global clean water mission which Landis and Beverly remained devoted to.

Swim the endless seas Daddy

Suit up with Peace


Rest in Power 


Amen.