E. Lee Cain

E. Lee Cain, of High Point, NC, passed away on November 30, 2017.  Lee was born on January 16, 1928, in Harmony, NC to Dewey and Aretha Cain.  In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death in 2009 by his loving wife of 56 years, Pat Cain, his brothers Paul Dewey (PD) Cain and Dean Cain, and his beloved sister Lois Evans. 

Lee attended Catawba College before joining the US Air Force after his freshman year.  Upon completing his service, Lee resumed his academic pursuits at Wake Forest College, an institution for which he developed a deep and life-long love and devotion.  After graduating from Wake with a Business degree, Lee studied at the UNC- Chapel Hill graduate business school, where he met the lovely and charming Patsy Jones from Greenville, SC.  Lee and Pat were married on Sept. 5, 1953.  Lee soon took a position with Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, and his banking career led them to Asheville, Winston-Salem and eventually High Point as Senior Vice President and City Executive for Wachovia.  Lee took early retirement from Wachovia in the 1980’s, and in his later years applied his financial and people skills to serve many clients as their investment adviser.  He initially co-founded a wealth management firm, eventually joining with colleagues to open an office of R.W. Baird & Co. in Winston-Salem.  He had many meaningful and fulfilling years at Baird until taking another “early retirement” in 2015 at the young age of 87.

Lee influenced and touched so many people throughout his life and career.  He was the ultimate southern gentleman who treated others with kindness and took a true interest in learning about their lives.  His charm, wisdom and good humor made a lasting impression on all who knew him. 

He loved to sing barbershop quartet with his brothers and cousin Max, and they cut an album together called Three Sharps and a Flat. Singing harmony gave him great joy, especially when he joined with his three sons and nephew, Buddy Howard.

For Lee Cain, career advancement and civic duty were inseparable.  He was active in civic organizations wherever he lived.  As a young banker, he was the statewide leader of the NC Jaycees, president of the Rotary Club, and on the Executive Committee for the Boy Scouts of America.  He was instrumental in founding the North Carolina Zoo.  He chaired many organizations, including the High Point Economic Development Board, the High Point United Way Campaign, and the Board of Trustees of Mars Hill College.  He played a leading role in bringing the Radisson Hotel to High Point in the 1980’s, and served as mentor and adviser to many local entrepreneurs and business people.  He was an active member and Deacon of Emerywood Baptist Church for 45 years. 

But his alma mater, Wake Forest University, held a special place in his heart.  Lee served on its Board of Trustees for many years and was Chairman of its Board from 1973–1977.  He instilled a strong affection for the University in his three sons, all of whom are proud Wake Forest grads.  One of Lee’s happiest recent experiences was attending the Wake-Louisville football game and witnessing the “rolling of the Quad” after a Deacon victory.

While Lee had a very successful professional career and made a lasting impact on many people, he was most proud of his beloved wife, Pat, and their three sons and seven grand-children:  Charles and Ann Cain of High Point and their three daughters (Olivia, Claire and Charlotte); Jim and Helen Cain of Raleigh and their two daughters (Cameron and Laura); and Rick and Sarah Cain of Gainesville, Florida and their two sons (Clay and Nicholas).

A celebration of Lee’s life will be at held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 3, 2017, in the sanctuary at Emerywood Baptist Church in High Point.  A visitation will follow the service in the Church’s Gathering Area.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emerywood Baptist Church, 1300 Country Club Drive, High Point, NC  27262.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Westchester Harbour Assisted Living for their care of Papa Lee during his final months, as well as his dedicated and talented doctors and health providers at Wake Forest University Medical Center and High Point Regional Hospital.    

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cumbyfuneral.com.

Cumby Family Funeral Service is serving the family.

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