Former Warner Robins councilman Daron Lee dies at 54

The city of Warner Robins is mourning the loss of former councilman Daron Lee, who died Tuesday at the age of 54.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The city of Warner Robins is mourning the loss of former councilman Daron Lee, who died at his home Tuesday at the age of 54.

Lee died of natural causes, according to Houston County Coroner James Williams.

According to the city, he served on city council from 2010 to 2013, representing Post 5, and later made history as the first African American and minority to be elected to the Post 1, at-large seat, where he served from 2018-2020.

He stepped down from council in 2020, writing in an email to then-Mayor Randy Toms that he had “indeed prayed and meditated on this decision in order to weigh the pros and cons leading to what is best for my well-being.”

Toms later explained the reason for Lee’s resignation.

“Both of his parents are not doing well, and he has been devoting a lot of his time to taking care of his mom and dad,” Toms said in October 2020. “And listen, I truly respect that. He feels like he didn’t have enough time and/or energy with taking care of his parents to devote to council.”

According to the city, after leaving office, Lee continued to contribute to the community, serving as an advisor for downtown redevelopment planning and representing the city as Chairman of the Houston County Board of Health.

“His unwavering dedication to our community was remarkable, and his influence will be felt for many years,” a city Facebook post stated on Wednesday. “We ask that you keep his family, friends, and colleagues in your hearts and minds during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”

Arrangements have not been announced.