Obituary of Lee Merritt Carey

Lee Merritt Carey of Tucson passed away Monday, August 18, 2014, sheltered and embraced by the eternal love of God and the devotions of his family. Lee was born on February 24, 1929, son of Elbert T. Carey and Edna Mae Carey. A lifelong Tucson resident and person of note, Lee blessed the lives of many as a son, father, husband, friend, coach and educator. Lee 'Legs' Carey is remembered and honored as one of Arizona's finest athletes, coaches and educators. While a student at Tucson High School 1945-47, Lee was a three-sport star in basketball, football and baseball, earning nine letters and leading his teams to nine state championships. He was the 1945 National Batting Champion, reaching the American Legion Baseball World Series. In 1947, Lee signed a bonus contract straight out of high school with the Cleveland Indians, working his way up to Class 'AAA' until his voluntary retirement in 1952. He earned his teaching degrees at the University of Arizona (B.S in Ed. and Master of Ed.) and then coached baseball at Tucson High School for five years, during which time his teams won three state titles. In 1959, he became athletic director and varsity baseball coach at Rincon High School, where his team won the state title in 1962. In the fall of 1962, Lee moved full time into administration, becoming the Dean of Boys and then Assistant Principle at Rincon before moving to Sabino High School in 1981 as Assistant Principle. Lee retired from T.U.S.D. in 1985 after 32 years. In 1972, the Tucson Daily Citizen sports staff selected him as Tucson High School's All-Time Best Athlete in the post-World War II era. Lee is a member of the Southern Arizona Baseball Federation Hall of Fame and the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame. Lee's athleticism and altruism continued well into his senior years. He honed his bicycling skills and was a finisher in the El Tour de Tucson Perimeter Race for five consecutive years. Lee was a U of A alumni supporter and an ardent Wildcat fan. How we will miss the humorous quips that Lee was so fond of sharing with family and friends which belied his true strength of character and sharp wit. Forever in our hearts, he was always a gentleman in every sense of the word, unpretentious, with a kind and unselfish soul. Lee's surviving children are Joan Carey Morrison (Richard), Janet Lee Carey and Brian Earl Carey and three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Our sincerest gratitude and thanks to the staff and caregivers of TMC/Carondelet Hospice-Peppi's House and St. Joseph's Hospital for their compassionate care and support. Funeral services are private per Lee's wishes. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.