Ben Byung Joo Lee

Reverend Ben Byung Joo Lee, 88, of Cerritos, California, passed away on July 28,2025, after a brave battle with bladder cancer. A devoted husband, father, and pastor, Ben’s gentle soul and quiet strength left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Born on February 10, 1937, in Chonan, South Korea, Ben was the son of Gun Pyo Lee and Sam Won Yoon, and beloved brother of Choong Guk Lee. He graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from Chung Ang University in 1961. Shortly after, he opened Samsung Pharmacy in October 1964 and married his dear wife, Ui Jung Kim, on November 18 of the same year.

In pursuit of new opportunities for his family, Ben courageously immigrated to the United States on July 2, 1972. He was a pioneer who paved the way for extended family members to come to the US and made it possible to pursue the “American Dream”.

On May 31, 1990, Ben embarked in a new direction in life by graduating from Bethesda Theological Seminary. After being ordained the following May, Reverend Ben started Full Gospel Church of Love in 1996 and pastored his flock until his retirement in 2011.

Reverend Ben is remembered for his authenticity, conscientiousness, and trustworthiness. Although he was not a man of many words, he was quite humorous. He enjoyed playing his harmonica and was known to be very handy around the house. Like many Korean men of his generation, Reverend Ben did not express his love through words but through his actions and thoughtfulness.

He is survived by Ui Jung, his faithful wife of 60 years; his daughters Susan, Jannifer, Anne, Jeanette, and Helen; his sons-in-law Dan, Hank, Christian, Charles, and Greg; and his grandchildren Clare, Lily, Jack, Oliver, and Mari.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 am in the Patriots Chapel at 4471 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA. Graveside service and reception immediately following. A viewing will take place at the Hope Chapel the evening before, on Wednesday August 6 from 4 pm to 8 pm.