[1] A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University (baccalaureate degree, 1958) and Yale Divinity School (Master of Divinity), he served ministries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, but for most of his ministerial career, he was associated with New Orleans' Saint Charles Avenue Baptist Church.
He was known for supporting the expansion of civil rights and his active involvement in the New Orleans Federation of Churches.
Lee Sr. wrote 16 books in addition to numerous articles, Bible lessons, and devotionals.
When Newt Gingrich was attending graduate school at Tulane University of Louisiana in New Orleans, he attended St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, and was baptized by immersion by G. Avery Lee.
Later, after Gingrich began his political career, Lee joked that some had suggested he "didn't hold him under long enough.