Lee Charles Drickamer

Lee Charles Drickamer died on April 6, 2026, in Chapel Hill, NC. Born May 25, 1946, in Ann Arbor, MI. The eldest child of Harry G. and Mae Elizabeth (McFillen) Drickamer, Lee grew up in Urbana-Champaign, IL, where he graduated from University High School. He earned a BA in biology from Oberlin College and, at the age of 23, his Ph.D. in zoology from Michigan State University.

Lee was a lifelong academic. He was a professor at Williams College, Southern Illinois University, and Northern Arizona University, where he was named a Regents’ Professor. He was passionate about teaching and mentoring and influenced many students and colleagues throughout his career. He served as department chair at two institutions and held many offices in national and international societies. His research in animal behavior earned national recognition. Much of his research focused on the effect of chemical signals on sexual maturation in mice. Other animals he studied included prairie dogs, domestic swine, rhesus macaques, and confused flour beetles.

A prodigious writer, he published several highly influential textbooks, co-edited three books on the Civil War, and co-authored four on the history of academic departments.

He loved dogs and cats. He was an enthusiastic ornithologist. He loved to travel, visiting 77 countries, all 7 continents, every state at least three times, and 60 national parks. He was also passionate about golf, history, and collecting books. He liked to count things.

He was predeceased by his parents and survived by his beloved wife, Judith B. Sellers; his stepson, Robert Brownsword of the Philippines; his siblings: Lynn Drickamer of Ann Arbor, MI; Kurt Drickamer of Oxford UK; Margaret Drickamer of Chapel Hill, NC; and Priscilla Atkins of Holland, MI; his nephews Jonah Coste, Nathan Coste, niece Adena Coste and grandniece Margot Laine-Coste.

To honor Lee, contributions may be made to UNC Hospice (211 Friday Center Drive, Suite 241, Chapel Hill, NC 27514).