Lee Benoist Ravenel

Lee Benoist Ravenel, 88, of Asheboro, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Mr. Ravenel was born on August 27, 1937, to Henry and Nancie Ravenel, and raised in Chevy Chase, MD. He was a 1955 graduate of Landon School, and a 1959 graduate of Amherst College. After graduation, Mr. Ravenel worked in various capacities for IBM, initially in New York City, and later in the Washington, D.C. area. Following this experience, he continued in the field of technology sales with over a decade of service at SAS Institute.

A monumental event in Mr. Ravenel’s life was his marriage to Anne Dickson in 1970. Theirs was a devoted, respectful and loving relationship.

During his years in Washington, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church offered Mr. Ravenel great opportunity to serve. Through the reading of Scripture, leadership of youth Sunday school classes, pastoral support visits, vestry membership and dedicated worship, Mr. Ravenel practiced and celebrated his faith.

Mr. Ravenel had a strong affinity for classical music. He brought immeasurable joy to those around him through his musical talent on the piano, especially when playing Christmas carols with family and friends. In addition to music, Mr. Ravenel enjoyed computers, tennis, and scuba diving. His travels took him to Mexico, Europe, the US Southwest and California. He was an avid reader, and he took a sincere interest in learning about the experiences of others. His genuine kindness, wisdom, warmth and wit were ever present in his interactions. Upon relocation to North Carolina, Mr. Ravenel adopted a loyal following of the UNC Tarheels. Family time was treasured, and many happy memories were made during vacations at the NC coast.

Mr. Ravenel was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Anne Dickson Ravenel, as well as his younger brother Gaillard Ravenel, of Washington, D.C.

Mr. Ravenel is survived by daughter Margaret Ravenel Elliott (Rob) of Asheboro NC; daughter Renee Ravenel Gaunt (Andrew) of Greensboro NC; brother Henry Ravenel (Alicia) of Chevy Chase, MD; and 5 beloved grandchildren, Alexander Elliott, Olivia Elliott, David Elliott, William Gaunt and James Gaunt.

A celebration of Mr. Ravenel’s life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Washington D.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Pugh Funeral Home is proud to serve the Ravenel family.