Lee Edward Redding

Lee Redding, a man whose life spanned continents, careers, passions, and generations, passed away on April 12, 2026, in Clearwater, Florida. He was 89 years old. Born on October 28, 1936, in Bloomington, Indiana, Lee grew up in a close-knit Midwestern family as the son of Helen and Hillard Redding. He was one of three brothers—John, who survives him and resides in California, and Howard, who preceded him in death. From his earliest years, Lee carried with him a sense of curiosity, independence, and determination that would shape the many chapters of his life.

As a young man, Lee answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Air Force in the 1950s. His service took him to Japan during the Korean War, where he served as an interpreter and radio operator. This experience that broadened his worldview, instilling in him a lifelong curiosity about the world. The discipline and sense of purpose he found in the Air Force shaped many aspects of his life.

After completing his military service, Lee settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region whose energy and opportunity suited his ambitions. There he began what would become a long and successful career as an insurance underwriter, working for several major firms. He approached his profession with diligence and integrity, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. His work took him across the country over the years, but he always maintained a strong sense of professionalism and a commitment to excellence.

In 1962, Lee married Evalyne Vogel. He adopted her young son, Stephen Vogel, embracing fatherhood with devotion and pride. He and Evalyne gave birth to Lisa Redding in 1964 and raised the family in the hills of the Contra Costa Valley in California. The family later relocated to Southern California in 1972, beginning a new chapter marked by sunshine, opportunity, and the steady rhythm of family life. Though Lee and Evalyne eventually divorced, their years together and the family they built remained an important part of his story.

Lee remarried twice in the years that followed and raised his daughter, Lisa, in Columbus, Ohio. Fatherhood was a role he cherished deeply, and he remained a steady presence in the lives of both Stephen and Lisa, offering guidance, humor, and support. His love extended to his son-in-law Jimmie, his daughter-in-law Marcia and his grandchildren, Alex and Martine Redding, with whom he shared stories, laughter, and the gentle wisdom of a life well lived.

Professionally, Lee continued to follow opportunities that allowed him to grow and contribute. His career led him to positions in Castroville, California, and later Charlotte,

North Carolina, where he brought his characteristic work ethic and leadership to each new environment. In 2002, after decades of dedicated service, he retired and moved to Clearwater, Florida, settling into the home left to him by his mother. Retirement did not slow him down; instead, it opened the door to new adventures and long-envisioned pursuits.

Lee was a man of many passions; each pursued with enthusiasm and a sense of fun. One of his most notable hobbies was his involvement with the American Kennel Club as a breeder of championship pug dogs. He delighted in the process—from the careful selection of breeding pairs to the excitement of dog shows—and he earned several ribbons over the years. His pugs were not just show dogs; they were companions, sources of joy, and reflections of his patient, nurturing spirit.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Lee once took up the practice of walking on hot coals, mastering the discipline and even giving demonstrations to friends and colleagues. It was a testament to his belief in pushing boundaries, both physical and mental, and to his willingness to embrace the unusual with confidence and humor.

Lee was also a distinguished member of Toastmasters International, where he honed his public speaking skills and found a community of fellow storytellers and communicators. His speeches—often humorous, always heartfelt—reflected his rich life experiences and his acute powers of observation.

Perhaps nothing defined Lee’s later years more than his passion for travel. After retiring, he embarked on an extraordinary journey across the world’s oceans, ultimately taking 104 ocean cruises. His travels brought him to countless countries, cultures, and coastlines, each leaving its mark on him. He documented his travels with lively written travelogues and countless photos that he would share with friends and family. For 44 years, Noemi Ramirez, his constant companion, shared his travels and filled his life with love. Their relationship was one of warmth, companionship, and shared adventure, and she remained an important part of his life in his final years.

When he wasn’t traveling, Lee found joy in the simple pleasures of home. He tended to his garden in Clearwater, cultivating plants with the same care he gave to the people in his life. He stayed connected to his children and grandchildren, sharing stories from his travels, offering financial and life advice, and celebrating their milestones. His calls, visits, and letters were reminders of his enduring love and his desire to remain present in their lives.

Lee’s life was marked by resilience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. He navigated its challenges with grace and its opportunities with enthusiasm. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a companion, a veteran, an adventurer, a dog breeder, a speaker, and a friend. To those who knew him, he was a source of encouragement, humor, and abiding affection.

He is survived by his children, Stephen Vogel Redding and Lisa Redding Gazay and their spouses Marcia and Jimmie; his grandchildren, Alexandre and Martine Redding; his brother, John Redding; and his longtime companion, Noemi Ramirez. He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Hillard Redding, and his brother, Howard.

Lee’s legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the family he loved. His journey—spanning nearly nine decades—was one of purpose, adventure, and heart. He was one of life's quiet heroes. He served as his family's glue. He was endlessly generous, yet asked nothing of others. His gentle kindness will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.