We published this sad notice in our December 12, 2007 Fountain AfterDark
Drummer Daren Lee, 38, Succumbs to Cancer
[Black Creek] Daren Lee, drummer for Charlie Flowers and the International Harvesters, died on December 11 after a hard fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Pam, and two sons, Zackery Keech and Caden Keech, as well as his parents, Johnny and Carolyn Lee.
Daren Lee grew up in the Wilson County community of Black Creek. He began playing with Flowers at the time of his band’s inception, four years ago. “Daren brought a lot of knowledge to the band,” Flowers said. “I liked his musical ideas. He introduced me to a bunch of songs and artists I’d not have known. He had a lot of heart, and he really loved his music, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and all that Texas road house blues.”
At the Harvesters’ last RAF performance, on October 19, Lee also sang “Up on Cripple Creek” and “Travelin’ Band,” but he brought along a substitute drummer so he could rest himself up for performing at Black Creek Day the following day. “He was really pleased to play that show back in his hometown,” Flowers said. “It meant a lot to him.”
“We’re all going to miss him,” said Alex Albright, RAF proprietor. “He and Pam and the kids always brightened up this place, whenever they came in. You could tell he was a little weak when he was singing that last show, but he still had that smile and those big playful eyes like he always did.”
Family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Thursday night at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway in Wilson, and at other times at their home, at 103 Crawford Lane in Black Creek.
The graveside service at 11 a.m. on Friday in Black Creek Cemetery will be officiated by the Rev. Wayne Eakes and the Rev. John Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations to assist the Lee family may be directed to the Little Rock Free Will Baptist Church, PO Box 340, Lucama NC 27851.
