Ben Rodgers Lee Killed In Car Accident

Ben Rodgers Lee, the father of modern-day turkey hunting and calling, was killed in an automobile accident on Oct. 7, 2001 near his home in Jackson, Ala. Lee was 46.

“Ben Lee was an ordinary man who enjoyed hunting and calling animals and did them both well, ” said Terry Rohm, longtime friend of Lee’s and Public Relations Director for Wellington Outdoors, the manufacturer of Ben Lee Calls.

Lee was one of the pioneers of the turkey calling industry and was an outstanding caller. His turkey calling contest accomplishments included:

• Five World Championships—1969, 70, 73, 74 and 77.

• Two Alabama State Championships—1974, 79.

• Three Southeaster Championships—1973, 74, 80.

• Three Champion of Champion Titles—1972, 73, 74.

• Two National Championships—1972, 73

After winning his first world championship in 1969, Lee started Ben Lee Calls company in 1970. From his kitchen table, he crafted the first of his many turkey and deer calls, calls he used very successfully.

Two of Lee’s most notable trophies were a 25-lb. Eastern wild turkey which sported a 13 1/2-inch beard and 1 1/2-inch spurs and a 10-point Alabama whitetail with a 22-inch spread that weighed 276 pounds.

As well as making calls, hunting and educating other hunters through seminars, Lee was a marketing and product consultant for Wellington Outdoors, Bear Archery, Liberty Hide-N-Pine and Pennington Seed.

Lee was a big man who made a big impact on the outdoor world. His influence will be felt for generations.

Lee is survived by his wife Mary Alice Brewer Lee and son, Ben Rodgers Lee Jr.