Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee
Obituary from Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock, Arkansas

On October 5, 2000, GRAND MASTER HAENG UNG LEE, a great friend to little Rock, the state of Arkansas and the world, passed away after a six month battle with cancer.

Grand Master Lee was the Founder and President of the World Traditional Taekwondo Union and the American Taekwondo Association. Since 1977, he has made Little Rock the World Headquarters for the largest single style Martial Arts Organization in the world. Grand Master Lee felt fortunate that he could turn his passion into life, what he called a "boy's dream" into a reality, helping more than 300,000 men, women, and children develop courage, self-discipline, and the characteristics of a true leader.

He was a close personal friend of and advisor to both President Bill Clinton and President Dae Joong Kim of South Korea. Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey, North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hayes, and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee all worked closely with Grand Master Lee to make their cities, the State of Arkansas, and the United States better. Grand Master Lee was also on the advisory board of the Peaceful Unification of Korea Committee.

Grand Master Lee was recognized as one of the original pioneers of traditional Martial Arts training in the United States. His innovative "Karate For Kids" program has helped thousands of children build respect and confidence. His motto for children was to "build strong bodies and clear minds."

Until his final days, Grand Master Lee worked tirelessly to insure that his organization would continue to grow, and have a positive impact on the world. He leaves behind a strong group of well-trained and loyal Master Instructors who are dedicated to teaching the benefits of Traditional Martial Arts training and values.

Grand Master Lee is survived by his father, Jae Chun Lee; his mother, Bok Soon Lee; wife, Sun C. Kim; four children, David, Flora, Lisa, and Taekwon; five brothers, Chief Master Soon Ho Lee, Mr. Chul Ho Lee, Mr. Jee Ho Lee, Senior Master In Ho Lee, and Senior Master Mal Kun Lee, and one sister, Sung Soon Ram.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. There will be a public viewing at the ATA International Headquarters at 6210 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, on Friday, October 13, 2000, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, in Little Rock on Saturday, October 14, 2000 at 11 a.m. Grand Master Lee will be buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, students, friends, and supporters make contributions to the "Grand Master H. U.. Lee Cancer Alliance," c/o the Firstar Bank in Little Rock, Arkansas.