Lee Dellinger

David Lee Dellinger, 30, died Sunday, February 10, 2019 after a long hard battle with drug addiction.

Lee was born in Fairfax, Virginia to Harold David & Norma Jean (Rhea) (2013) Dellinger on June 22, 1988.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his four older sisters Tracy (Tommy), Rebecca (Matt), Heidi (Brandon), and Ashly (Jeramy), six nephews; Jacob, Tyler, Dean, Bradley, Blake, Maverick & Weston, three nieces, Jessica, Samantha, & Bonnie, as well as his Gram (grandmother); Ethel Rhea of Indiana, PA.  He will also be sadly missed by many old and dear friends in Stafford, VA, Columbus, OH, St. Charles, MO, and Memphis, TN.

He was preceded in death by his adoring mother, Norma Jean Dellinger; and Pops (grandfather) Frank Rhea.

After his 2006 graduation at Colonial Forge High School, Lee’s career pursuits reflected his passion for food, beginning his culinary career at Columbus Culinary Institute and working in several restaurants, Lee particularly enjoyed cooking for family and friends.   He also worked for many years alongside his parents in their family business.

Lee was the youngest of five siblings.  His childhood could be described as joyful, even as he was sometimes tormented by his sisters.  Many times he would snuggle up with his sisters with a bowl of mixed snacks to watch Disney's Robin Hood or The Little Mermaid.  Or he could be tormented by being pushed and locked out the glass patio door by his sisters as they screamed that a monster was behind him.  It is believed that this is where his love for scary movies came from.  Because of this, his sisters take credit for his extensive collection of scary films both classic and new.   Lee paid his sisters back by making them repeatedly watch The Little Mermaid during a ten-hour car ride to New Orleans.   They grew up close and loved each other unconditionally.

Lee loved to play both baseball and basketball in school.  As well as traveling to different places and trying different cuisines.  One of his favorite trips was driving cross country with his sister Heidi.  They sung out loud, climb dirt hills, and tour underground cites in the Pacific Northwest.

Lee struggled with opiates since he was first given some by a friend when he was 18 years old.  He tried many times to stay sober but despite his tremendous desire to stay sober for his family, friends, and himself the disease eventually took him.  The stigma of drug use prevents many from reaching out for help.  Images of a junkie make people turn away in shame.  However, amidst this Opioid & Heroin Epidemic the users can be anyone from the mom next door, to the Pastor at your local church, or a guy just like Lee.  Lee was a beautiful person with a big heart.   He loved to make people laugh with funny remarks, impersonations, and yelling at the television while watching football or playing Madden.  He had a gift for cheering people up with a hug and a witty remark.  He had a great sense of humor and style.  He will be with us through memories and anywhere we see XXX-L T-shirts, crazy cartoon socks, Air Jordans, and every jack-o'-lantern on Halloween.  He loved and was loved.

"Remember me and smile, because it’s better to forget than to remember me and cry." --Dr. Seuss.

Contributions in Lee’s memory can be made to the Addiction Education Society.