"For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Deacon John Larry Lewis peacefully fell asleep in death on Monday, June 1, 2009 after an extended illness. Deacon Lewis was born on January 1, 1946, in Dorchester County. He was the son of the late Roosevelt and Jestine Hayes Lewis.

Deacon Lewis was a 1965 graduate of Jenkins Hill High School. For over 30 years, Deacon Lewis was employed by Carter Moorer.

At an early age, John joined St. Mark Baptist Church Pregnall Community and served faithfully as an usher, trustee, deacon and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He also served as the President of the Surprise Baptist Association Brotherhood. John was a loyal member of the Bright Star Lodge.

Deacon Lewis was loved by all who knew him and will truly be missed by his family and friends.

John leaves to cherish fond memories: two brothers, Odell Lewis, Dorchester, SC, and Jerry (Shirley) Lewis, Reevesville, SC; a special niece, Hattie Martino, St. George, SC; eight aunts; two uncles; four nieces; two nephews; two grand nieces; one grand nephew; one great grand niece and a host of dedicated and loving cousins. He was blessed with devoted and loving friends—JoAnn Faulkner, Carrie Delee, Vicki Braxton, Catherine Whack, Gwendolyn Braxton, Nathaniel Frazier, Jim. Moorer (family), Rickie (Deborah) Davis and Linda Moorer.