Uncle Lewis

My uncle, Lewis Davis, died Sunday at age 84 in Newberry, SC. He and my mother's sister, Libby, had been childhood sweethearts. They were married at age 21 and would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this June. He was a caring, devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but especially for my family a wonderful uncle, great-uncle and great-great-uncle. He was quite active until pancreatic cancer laid waste to his body less than a month after being diagnosed.

Lewis doted on women--his wife, daughters, granddaughters and nieces. No wonder he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Women of the Church. His only grandson, Stowe, was the recipient of the U.S. flag that covered his casket though.

Lewis didn't do things half way. When the brush behind one daughter's house needed clearing, he got a couple of goats to do the work and ended up raising a herd of them--including several "fainting" goats. Pet bunnies became several hutches full of all kinds of rabbits. He kept a flock of chickens, where my grandchildren loved to go "pick eggs"--especially the light blue kind. He helped his granddaughter raise and train show horses.

His garden fed not only the family but also many friends and people in need in the community. A photo of him in the garden won first prize in his granddaughter's high school photography contest.

He was Superintendent of his church's Sunday School and the most influential of the church Elders. He mentored many young people. He was instrumental in building a new Young Life Center, which was named for him, though he didn't live to see it dedicated.

As a manager, then district manager, of B. C. Moore's Department Stores, he had access to the Newberry store which he opened to us after hours to buy anything we wanted at "cost + 10%" or sometimes at no charge. Now that was really fun!

Every evening they were there, he took my daughters to a local convenience store named "Buddy's" where they could get any treats they wanted. He bought them huge Easter baskets and one year even some cute yellow ducklings--which Cathy loved carrying around until one doo-dooed down the front of her Easter dress.

He shelled pecans by the thousands. My last gift from him and Aunt Libby was more than two pounds of beautiful nut halves they had shelled together.

His sons-in-law and their siblings always called him Mr. Davis, a sign of the respect he engendered in anyone he dealt with.

He was a remarkable man, and this world--and I--will be poorer for his having left it.