Lee J. Mullally Sr's Obituary
Lee J. Mullally Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor to thousands passed away on May 28, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Myotonic Dystrophy. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgeann, his son Lee Jr. (Christine) and grandchildren Lee John “L.J.” III (Sydney) and Olivia.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 1, 1942, to parents Meyer ”Tex” and Irene Mullally, Lee’s youth was marked by years of sports having played baseball, basketball and golf all competitively throughout his high school years. In eighth grade a new girl by the name of Georgeann Heath moved in a few blocks from his childhood home. He took to frequent bike rides, just happening to “go by her house” and maybe catching a glimpse of her. He eventually asked her to the Junior Prom and the rest was history. Married six years later, the two spent their lives dedicated to each other, the world of education and in later years travelling the globe together having visited over 40 countries and all 50 states.
Lee received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and later his Doctorate Degree from Michigan State University. He taught and served as Director of Faculty Development at Kent State before accepting a position at the University of Florida where he was an Educational Media and Instructional Design Professor in the College of Education. In 1998 he initiated and directed the SITE teaching program until his retirement in 2005. He was able to mentor teachers as they learned the importance of what good teachers they could become.
Outside of the world of higher learning, Lee’s passion was clowning. What started in the 1980’s as a chance to spread humor and encouragement through clown ministries with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, turned into a full-blown second career for Lee “Juggles” Mullally. In addition to his many performances and a successful prop making business, Lee became active in the Southeastern Clown Association and eventually the World Clown Association (WCA) where he served as President and Education Director teaching clowns around the world. As the Assistant Director at Clown Camp in La Crosse, Wisconsin he continued his teaching while helping others become better clowns. He wrote regular columns and articles for Clowning Around Magazine, further highlighting not only his love of clowning but his love for education and mentorship. Lee was selected as World Clown of the Year in 1994 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from WCA in 2014.
Lee’s life was based on doing for others. As a clown, he could often be found in full make up cheering up young children undergoing medical treatments, or at memory care units bringing a smile to elderly residents. As a lover of sports, he gave his time to coach at the Northwest Boy’s Club in the 70’s and 80’s. For all of his willingness to help others, Lee was awarded the E.T. York Distinguished Service Award in 2007. He genuinely believed in giving back to the community and giving back with a smile and a bit of laughter. Lee’s surviving family hopes that all of those touched by his giving and caring spirit, play it forward and share that gift with others.
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