Sheriff elected 7 times dies

Lee, 68, served Benton County residents from 1989-2002

BENTONVILLE -- Former Benton County Sheriff Andy Lee died unexpectedly Monday, according to a news release from the Bentonville Police Department.

Lee, 68, served seven terms as Benton County sheriff from 1989-2002.

He lived in Florida but was in Bentonville visiting relatives when he died, the release said. It listed the cause of death as natural causes.

"It was a shock to me, totally," said Bruce Rutherford, former county judge for Benton County and Lee's longtime friend. "I'm almost at a loss of words for what to say about him. He was a very dedicated sheriff."

Rutherford said he had known Lee for nearly 30 years. Their children grew up together. Rutherford said the two families enjoyed going to the lake together. They cooked on Lee's pontoon boat after water-skiing behind Rutherford's boat.

"He was definitely a fun-loving guy, but when it came to his job, he was serious," Rutherford said. "He worked really hard for his employees, trying to get more help and more money. That was an endless battle, but he never gave up."

Lee never made a promise he didn't keep, said Bill Crawford, a former deputy sheriff. Crawford worked under Lee's supervision for 10 years from 1992 to 2002.

Lee was a great leader who expected the best out of his employees, Crawford said.

"He was not that Monday morning quarterback that a lot of people thought he was," he said. "He let deputies do their jobs."

Lee began his law enforcement career as an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. He worked there from 1969-77, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette archives. He retired with a medical pension after he was injured in a collision involving a police car and tow truck.

He then moved to Benton County.

Lee was one of three people nominated for U.S. marshal for the Western District of Arkansas around 2002. He was not chosen for the position.

After his seven terms as Benton County sheriff, he ran in 2004 for the U.S. Senate and in 2006 for Benton County sheriff, but he was defeated both times.

He was known for his firm stance on law and order. He was often criticized by some for seeking media attention and for his budget battles with the county Quorum Court.

Lee died just a few months after that of his wife, Holly, who died May 25 at age 65. The two were married for 43 years.

State Desk on 09/08/2016

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