Reminder Norvel Lee marker to be dedicated on Sept. 17 in Eagle Rock

Norvel Lee Recognized With Installation of Historic Marker

Date: September 9, 2022 (Botetourt County, VA) Norvel LaFollette Ray Lee was raised in Eagle Rock, VA during the time of Jim Crow.  He went on to become an Olympic champion, Tuskegee Airman, World War II veteran, a prominent educator and youth mentor as well as a civil rights leader.  This son of Eagle Rock, born on September 22, 1924, will be recognized on Saturday, September 17, 2022, with a historical marker that will be unveiled in his honor.

The marker is being erected jointly by Botetourt County, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Family members of Mr. Lee, including his granddaughter from Nome, Alaska will be in attendance, along with dignitaries, friends, and Mr. Ken Conklin who authored Lee’s biography, “Norvel”.   

A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at the Eagle Rock Library. Join us for refreshments, storytelling, and a meet and greet with Mr. Conklin.

The event is open to the public.  Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Eagle Rock Library located at 55 Eagles Nest Dr., Eagle Rock, VA at 1:45 p.m.  A shuttle will be provided from the library to the historical marker site on Route 220. 

For more information about Mr. Lee’s life and legacy, click here.

For more information about the event, please contact Tiffany Bradbury at tbradbury@botetourtva.gov or by calling (540) 293-1251.