WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Daron Lee, a former Warner Robins city councilman who made history as the first Black man elected to a citywide council post, died at his home on Tuesday, Houston County Coroner James Williams confirmed. He was 54 years old.
According to Warner Robins City Clerk Mandy Stella, Lee had served a total of almost seven years on the city council in two separate terms — and in two separate council seats.
Lee, first elected to the council in post 5 in 2009, took office in January 2010 and served on the council for four years. He eventually left the council in 2013.
Then, four years later, Lee ran again for the city's at-large post: Post 1.
When he ran in 2017, Lee ended up winning that race, becoming the first Black city councilman elected to the citywide council seat in Warner Robins' history. He was sworn in at the start of January 2018.
According to Williams, Lee died at his home on Tuesday evening. At this time, he says they believe Lee died from natural causes.
Alongside his political pursuits, Lee was also a pastor.
His grandmother, Ada Lee, helped integrate the Houston County school system and fought for more access and representation for Black families, a tradition Lee continued during his political career.
During his second campaign for the city-wide, Lee campaigned on fighting blight and keeping a closer eye on city departments, according to previous reporting.
Serving the north side of Warner Robins in his first four years on council, Lee focused on parks and beautification along with recreation for students. He also was active in crime prevention, holding crime forums on a regular basis.
Lee eventually resigned from his post effective Oct. 30, 2020, because of family health issues, Stella said.