Former Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee Dead At 62

MARIETTA, GA — Tim Lee, the former Cobb County commission chairman who negotiated the deal that brought the Atlanta Braves to his county, died Sunday at age 62. Lee passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer. Flags at all county-run facilities will fly at half-staff through the Lee's burial.

Lee served in various community and civic groups before winning election as a district commissioner in 2002. He became chairman of the board of commissioners in 2010 and served in that position until 2017.

Despite arranging the deal that lured the Braves out of downtown Atlanta and into the Cobb County suburbs, Lee was voted out of office in 2016 in what was largely seen as a protest against the way the deal with negotiated. Lee conducted the negotiations with the Braves mostly in secret, leading the way for $400 million in public money to build and maintain SunTrust Park without a public referendum.

"We are incredibly appreciative for the vision and leadership Tim showed throughout his tenure as chairman of the Cobb County commission, specifically the bold move of helping the Braves move to Cobb County," the Atlanta Braves said in a statement. "The difficult decisions he made have paid off with the resurgence of growth throughout the county."

“On behalf of the board of Commissioners and all county staff, we express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Lee family,” said Cobb Commissioner Chairman Mike Boyce, who defeated Lee at the polls. “The county has lost a true leader and statesman who will long be remembered for his accomplishments and love of Cobb County."

“From his humble beginnings as a homeowner activist through his service as a district commissioner and the chairman, Tim Lee was always willing to listen and try to find common ground,” said County Manager Rob Hosack.

Commissioner Bob Ott served alongside Lee for many years. “Tim guided Cobb County through some difficult economic times,” Ott said. “His love for our county was seen from his early days as a commissioner and was even more evident when he became chairman. He always wanted the best for Cobb, and it is a true tragedy his life has been cut short.”

“I had the honor and privilege of serving on the board with Tim for six years,” said Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. “He was a great leader and visionary for Cobb County. He always had the county’s best interest at heart and served with his entire being.”

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Lee and also humbled as we give so much of ourselves when we step up to serve in public office," said Commissioner Lisa Cupid. "I pray that Tim was able to enjoy his life with friends and family outside of the public eye and that God is able to provide his family strength and comfort during this time of bereavement.”

“I first met then-commissioner Lee in 2005 when I opposed my first rezoning application adjacent to my home,” said Commissioner Keli A. Gambrill. “Tim saw something in me that I had never imagined, being commissioner. Tim first planted the seed in 2006 and encouraged me to run. 13 years later, here I am.”