Raymond Ben-Kuey Lee, devoted husband, father, businessman, and community leader, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on September 7, 1934, in Guangdong, China, Raymond immigrated to the United States in 1949. He was the beloved younger brother of Jeanette, and the older brother to Kam, Rosemary, Ruth, and Ronald.

Together with his late wife Jean, Raymond founded Golden Country Oriental Food, which grew into one of the largest Asian wholesale food distributors in the United States. Through his vision, determination, and tireless work, he built a company that continues to thrive as a leader in the industry.

Beyond business, Raymond was deeply committed to serving the community he loved. He held leadership roles on the Chicago Park District Board, the Chicago Board of Education, the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinatown Parking Lot Board. His contributions left a lasting legacy in projects that continue to enrich Chicago's Chinatown, including the renovation of John C. Haines School, Chinatown Square, the Chinatown Parking Lot, Ping Tom Memorial Park, Allen Lee Square, the Leonard Louie Fieldhouse, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, and the Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch.

Raymond is survived by his son Sidney, and daughters Bernice, Serena, and Medora and eight beloved grandchildren. His love for family, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment to community will be remembered by all who knew him.

Services

Wake & Visitation: Friday, September 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Dalcamo Funeral Home, 470 West 26th Street, Chicago, IL 60616

Visitation & Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Visitation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Service: Immediately following

Chinese Christian Union Church, 2301 South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616

Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery

Memorial Contributions

The Lee family requests donations be made to:

Chinese American Museum of Chicago

238 W. 23rd Street, Chicago, IL  60616.  312-949-1000

https://ccamuseum.org/

Chinese American Museum of Chicago
238 West 23rd Street, Chicago IL 60616
Tel: 1-312-949-1000
Web: http://www.ccamuseum.org