Leighton (Lee) B. Besse, of Summerville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the age of 77. He was surrounded by his loved ones.
Lee was born on July 15, 1948. He spent his early childhood in Centerville, Massachusetts (Cape Cod), and the remainder of his childhood and the majority of his life in Miami, Florida. He participated in football and baseball throughout his time at Coral Gables High School. He then attended The Citadel where he graduated on May 30, 1970. He was commissioned in the Air Force and married his wife of 55 years, Victoria (Barber) Besse the same day.
He then spent two years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in Los Angeles, California. After returning to Miami following his service, Lee joined his father in the insurance business. He spent the majority of his career with Stembler, Adams and Sweet, before later joining InSource (Worley, Humphrey and Ball). He also spent several years with C.T. Lowndes & Co. in Charleston, South Carolina. He was also President of Independent Insurance Agents for Dade County from 2000-2001.
In 2000, he and Vicki relocated to Summerville, South Carolina, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Lee is reunited with his predeceased father, Gerard Besse Sr.; mother, Eunecie Besse; brother, Gerard Besse Jr.; and his beloved family Labrador Retrievers.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki Besse of Summerville, South Carolina; his son, Jason Besse of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; his daughter, Lindsey (Colby) Arrow of Orlando, Florida; his granddaughters, Cameran Besse of Summerville, South Carolina, Emma Besse of Orlando, Florida, and Madeleine (Oliver) Lucier-Ware of New Haven, Connecticut; his grandsons, Carson Arrow and Caden Arrow of Orlando, Florida; and his great-granddaughter, Vivienne Lucier-Ware. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Spinelli of Miami, Florida, and his nephew, Christian Wood of Atlanta, Georgia.
Lee’s favorite activities included coaching Lindsey’s softball teams; playing softball with his friends; spending time with his golf buddies at Pine Forest Country Club; tending to his yard; playing solitaire on his computer; studying his family history; and representing The Citadel. Those who knew him, knew him well. He was loved, and he loved deeply. Papa Lee will be forever missed.
A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’ s Hospital and/or Dorchester Paws.