Robert K. Lee began his career in the United States Marine Corps. He later became a Tennessee State Trooper, an investigator with the THP, and finally retired as a special agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. While serving in all these capacities, he still found time to earn a law degree.

Lee served as sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, from 1982 until 1994.

He told me more than once that being the sheriff of McNairy County was his lifelong dream. Sheriff Lee impacted law enforcement in his home county and helped bring more professionalism to our work all along the Tennessee/Mississippi state line.

On Jan. 16, 2023, The McNairy County Criminal Justice Complex was dedicated to the late sheriff, who passed away last fall.

The current McNairy County sheriff, Guy Buck, a close friend of Lee, shared several stories about the former sheriff and described him as “an exceptional sheriff and law enforcement officer who was also a compassionate person.”

Sheriff Lee was not only an outstanding law enforcement officer and sheriff, but he was also a great friend. He will be sorely missed by many.