Thomas Edward Kee, Jr.

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Thomas Edward Kee, Jr, affectionately known as Tom, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of 69. A proud native of North Carolina, Tom lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and excellence.

Born on July 23, 1955, in Raleigh, NC, to the late Dr. Thomas Edward Kee, Sr. and Elnora McCrimmon Kee, Tom’s early years were shaped by a strong foundation of academic excellence and discipline in a Catholic elementary school. A 1973 graduate of Jesse O. Sanderson High School, Tom and his classmates played a significant role in integrating schools during the height of the Civil Rights Movement—a mark of the quiet courage and determination that would guide his life.

Tom attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU), one of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, Business Administration, and Marketing from the NCCU School of Business. A proud member of the Class of 1977, Tom remained deeply connected to his alma mater throughout his life, actively participating in the Raleigh Chapter of the NCCU Alumni Association and earning the distinction of Lifetime Member.

His professional career began immediately after graduation with Carolina Power & Light Company (CP&L), now Duke Energy, where he was hired as a Right-of-Way Agent, and subsequently became a member of the International Right-of-Way Association. He later advanced to Senior Right-of-Way Agent responsible for significant projects, such as securing access for widening Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh, NC. Tom’s civic spirit led him to serve as a Business Development Specialist representing CP&L. In this capacity, he contributed to community life through the United Way of Wake County Distributions and Allocations Committee (1986–1990) and as Chairman of the Wake County Appearance Commission (1986–1992) under Mayor Avery Upchurch.

Tom's entrepreneurial spirit led him into real estate and construction. He became a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Appraiser, and Certified General Contractor. As founder of Kee Realty and Appraisal Service, he served the Triangle area for many years before transitioning to a successful career in insurance. Since 2014, Tom has worked in Charlotte and Durham as a licensed Property and Casualty Producer with Allstate Insurance, Johnson Insurance, and most recently, Around the Corner Insurance Agency.

Tom's dedication extended beyond his career. A lifelong advocate for community and mentorship, he was initiated into the Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1977, proudly following in his father's footsteps. A Lifetime Member of the fraternity, he served as Vice-Basileus in 1982 and co-chaired the Talent Hunt Committee in 1979, helping young people showcase their musical gifts. His twin brother, Timothy, joined the fraternity in 1978, and together they exemplified the fraternity’s cardinal principles of “Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.”

A man of faith, Tom, along with his parents and siblings, was a long-term member of Martin Street Baptist Church. He most recently attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Durham, NC, where he joined the male chorus. 

Tom was never seen without his signature big smile. He loved "old-school" music—especially Earth, Wind & Fire—and enjoyed traveling, biking, staying active at the gym, and watching action-packed movies. He loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Victoria, and was a regular at Family Reunions. His joy, warmth, and wisdom left a lasting imprint on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Tom is survived by his loving daughter, Portia Kee and beloved granddaughter, Victoria Kee Cromwell of Charlotte, NC; his devoted sister, Brenda Kee (Wayne Brown) of West Bloomfield, MI; his twin brother, Timothy Kee (Dietra) of Raleigh, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Thomas Edward Kee, Sr. and Elnora McCrimmon Kee.

His legacy of service, integrity, and joy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Family Visitation and Public Viewing: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Lea Funeral Home, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Funeral Service:  12:00 PM, Monday, May 5, 2025, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E. Martin St., Raleigh, NC.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Service: 11:00 AM  followed by Visitation. 

Visitation:  11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, preceding the service at the Church.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Thomas and Elnora Kee Endowment at Shaw University. 

Make checks payable to Shaw University
Write “Kee Endowment” in the memo
Checks should be mailed to: 

Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, President
Shaw University
118 E South Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
 
To give securely online, click on the link below. Select “Other” from the drop-down menu and enter “Kee Endowment” in the space provided at the bottom of the page.

https://www.shawu.edu/giving/

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