Former Cobb Chairman behind Braves move has died

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - A former Georgia county chairman who helped bring a baseball stadium to his area has died.

News outlets report former Cobb County Chairman Tim Lee died Sunday after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer last August.

Lee served as chairman from 2010 to 2016 and was the lead negotiator in the public-financing deal for SunTrust Park, which brought the Atlanta Braves to Cumberland.

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson says Lee's determination for SunTrust helped rejuvenate Cumberland. Lee's son, Christian, says his father left behind a future of prosperity for Cobb County.

Family spokeswoman Kellie Brownlow says Lee had clean scans through July but found out last month that the cancer had spread.

Current Chairman Mike Boyce says flags at county government facilities will fly at half-staff until Lee's funeral.