Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert “Bubba” Lee
Community Leader. Business Champion. Friend.
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce joins our community and the state in mourning the loss of Robert W. “Bubba” Lee—a respected leader whose influence spanned business, civic service, and local pride.
Bubba served as Chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber Board of Directors in 1993, bringing thoughtful leadership and a forward-thinking spirit to the organization. In 1999, he was recognized with the Chamber’s Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to our business community and his commitment to free enterprise.
Since 1968, Vulcan Inc. has been a proud member of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, actively supporting the Chamber’s mission to foster business growth and regional success. That relationship is a reflection of the Lee family’s belief in strong local partnerships and responsible leadership.
Bubba, alongside his brother Tommy Lee—who later succeeded him as CEO before retiring—led Vulcan, Inc. for a generation, helping grow the company into a respected leader in the manufacturing industry. Vulcan began as a small sign manufacturer in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1935. In 1966, Bubba’s father, Cater Lee, and Robert Hall purchased the company, setting it on a path of significant growth. The aluminum division relocated to Foley, Alabama, in 1968 with the construction of the first plant, while the steel division remained in Birmingham until 1975. That same year, Vulcan became the first Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company in the state of Alabama—ushering in a new era of employee ownership and company-wide investment. Cater Lee, one of Vulcan’s founding figures, went on to serve as president, CEO, and chairman of the board. Bubba continued that legacy, becoming President in 1986, CEO in 1996, and Chairman of the Board in 2011—serving in executive leadership for 27 years. Under his leadership, Vulcan remained deeply rooted in Baldwin County values, grounded in integrity, opportunity, and a strong commitment to community.
Bubba also helped start the Gulf United Metro Business Organization (G.U.M.B.O.), a “coalition of local business leaders who are committed to the intellectual growth and development of south Baldwin County, Alabama.”
Chamber President & CEO Travis Valentine shared:
The Gulf Coast and the State of Alabama lost an extraordinary individual. Bubba was a tremendous leader, a passionate advocate for our community. He retired before I joined the Chamber, but I was fortunate to speak with him on a few occasions. I enjoyed the wisdom he shared—and the occasional joke that showed his warmth and character. His leadership and dedication to the South Baldwin area have left a lasting legacy.
Our former CEO, Donna Watts, once shared a story that speaks volumes about Bubba’s character. Not long after she joined the Chamber, he called to ask what our top-paying membership amount was. When she answered, he replied, ‘Raise mine higher than that—we want to be the top supporter of our Chamber.’ That’s who Bubba was—proud, committed, and always willing to lead by example.
Beyond Baldwin County, Bubba also played a significant role on the statewide stage. As a founder and former Chairman (1995-1996) of the Business Council of Alabama, he worked to advance policies that strengthened industry, supported job creation, and made Alabama a more competitive place to do business.
As we reflect on Bubba’s legacy, we are reminded of the saying, “We see further because we stand on the shoulders of giants.” Bubba was one of those giants. His leadership helped pave the way for future generations of entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders.
Though Bubba retired before many of our current team came on board, his legacy still shapes our work and our values. His belief in strong leadership, community investment, and the power of business to make a difference continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lee family and the entire Vulcan team. Bubba’s life and legacy will always be remembered here in South Baldwin—because we know that our Chamber, our community, and our state are better because of him.
Pine Rest Funeral Home Tribute Wall: Mr. Robert "Bubba" Lee September 5, 1947 - July 29, 2025
