Robert Lewis

Russell was born on August 16, 1938 to the late Robert Clyde and Omera Mincey Lewis. He was the oldest of seven siblings and grew up in the Wampee Community of Longs, SC. Russ was appreciative of the simple wonders of life. He loved the farmland, he loved the ocean, and he loved Horry County. Russ came from a long line of Horryites, dating back to the late 1600’s, and was a direct descendent of the marriage of Reverend Charles Lewis III and Elizabeth Horry in 1713. Since that time, eleven generations of Lewises have ensued and Russ was proud to carry on the Robert Lewis namesake.

Russell graduated from Wampee High School and given his natural inclination toward reading and self-growth, he took the next step and began his journey into higher education. He graduated from Furman University in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Deciding a life of service was his calling, he then attended South Eastern Theological Seminary at Wake Forest and earned his second degree, a Bachelor of Divinity. Following this, he enrolled at Duke University and matriculated his Master’s in Theology.

He began his ministry at Laurel Hill Baptist Church in North Carolina, then moved to Fernwood Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC. He returned home, along with his wife and young son in 1975. Russ continued working in the field of mental health at Waccamaw Center for Mental Health as a substance abuse counselor. He remained there until his retirement as Associate Director. During his tenure, he wrote and was awarded a grant for an outdoor adventure program geared toward troubled youth. He dedicated countless hours to trips on the Waccamaw and Pee Dee rivers mentoring a multitude of young men, many who stayed in contact with Russ throughout his life. Russ was a pastoral counselor at Grand Strand General Hospital and Conway Medical Center and sat with many grieving families in their time of need. His final church ministry came in the late 1980’s where he both played the piano and preached his way into the hearts of his congregation at Buck Creek Baptist Church.

When one thinks of Pop, as he was fondly called, his love of the outdoors comes to mind. He was an observer and appreciative of the beauty in all things nature, and he wanted to make sure you saw it too! Many times he has stopped a conversation to point out the beauty of a large butterfly in the sunlight or the color of the blue sky and the shape of clouds.

Pop was musically inclined. One of his teenage highlights, was to be selected as one of two representatives from the state of South Carolina to travel to Washington, DC and play in the national band. A person would always know Russ was nearby, as he was constantly singing or humming a tune. But his greatest musical talent was at the piano, which he shared gratefully with his grandson Jackson. His music was a gift to all who were privileged to experience it, and Pop “tickling the ivories” will forever remain a lasting memory.

Being a grandfather came naturally to Russ. His “little buddies” were always excited to see what adventures he had in store for them. He was patient, kind and attentive. Pop gave them permission to be childlike and shared in their awe at the wonderfulness of this life and world. He was Mother Nature’s biggest fan and he bestowed this upon his grandsons and all who knew him.

Russell’s surviving family includes his son Rob and Rob’s wife Heather. His grandsons Robert Brayden Lewis and Jackson Henry Lewis, his step-grandsons Austin Willard and Reid Willard. He is also survived by his brothers; Larry (Carol) Lewis and Ray Lewis and sister Gretchen Lewis as well as his nieces Lucinda Lewis, Joy Burch and Lizzie Chafin; and his nephews Chad Lewis, Eric Lewis and Matthew Lewis. Russell was preceded in death by his sisters, Sue Lewis Ebert and Joyce Lewis Burch, brother Louie Lewis, and nephew Andrew Lewis.

There will be an informal musical celebration of life on a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Lewis family. Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.