[1][2] He graduated from Northside High School in Corning, New York in 1951[3] and served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1956, attaining the rank of petty officer second class.

[4] He later served in the United States Naval Reserve, in which he attained the rank of lieutenant (junior grade).

[4] After college he worked as an educational administrator and consultant, including director of Cornell's financial aid, student loan and scholarship programs.

[6] After leaving Congress, Lee resided in Alexandria, Virginia, and was vice president of IC Industries.

[4] He later relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where he remained active in politics, including serving as chair of the Lee County Republican Party for ten years.